Worth a thousand words: Longtime Rep. Calvin Smyre honored with historic portrait in Georgia State Capitol
Former Georgia Rep. Calvin Smyre has achieved many firsts and milestones in his career: he was the first African-American to hold the position of administrative floor leader, the first African American chairman of the Democratic Party’s state legislative caucus, the first African American elected official from Georgia to be elected to the Democratic National Committee and the longest-serving member of the Georgia Legislature.
Now, Smyre’s portrait is one of only seven African American portraits hanging in the Georgia State Capitol. Friends, family, former Georgia governors Roy Barnes and Sonny Perdue, and lawmakers who had served with Smyre sat under the gold dome on Tuesday for the unveiling of the portrait and to honor the Columbus, Georgia, lawmaker and his lasting legacy.
Elected in 1975, Smyre was the last of his freshman class to leave the halls of the Capitol when he retired in 2022. Nearly 50 years later, an imposing portrait of Smyre, painted by Columbus artist Steven Têtte, sits right at the entrance of the House chamber on the third floor.
“Mere words cannot adequately express my feelings right now. What is about to happen in a few minutes is overwhelming, and I am deeply honored,” Smyre said to the audience. “What a way to end the ride.”
Lawmakers at the unveiling ceremony lauded Smyre for bridging gaps across political divides, being a mentor and creating unity within the House and Senate to create a better quality of life for Georgians.
“If you want to know the true character of a person, give them power. Calvin used his power to build bridges,” Rep. Billy Mitchell said.
The portrait is only one representation of his stamped legacy. The impact of his contributions resonates beyond the Capitol building. Smyre authored the legislation making Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday a state holiday and the legislation creating the now-demolished Georgia Dome, former home of the Atlanta Falcons. He was also the co-sponsor of House Bill 16, the legislation that created a new Georgia State Flag.
From advising the presidential campaigns of Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Al Gore to serving as a community organizer in his hometown of Columbus, those closest to him made sure to give Smyre his flowers during the ceremony.
“Calvin often said, you make your living by what you get. You make your life by what you give. Calvin D. Smyre has given so much for so many for so long. This generation and generations to come will view the portrait hanging in this Capitol that will recognize the tremendous service and sacrifice of Calvin Smyre, the ‘dean’ of his house,” Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. said.
