PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The call is out for artists to propose a memorial to the late Congressman Bill Gray at the Amtrak station that bears his name.
William H. Gray III represented Pennsylvania's second congressional district from 1979 to 1991. He led the United Negro College Fund from 1991 to 2004. He was a civil rights champion in Philadelphia and abroad.
His name is on the sign outside of 30th Street Station. Now, there's an effort to have a memorial to Gray constructed inside the building, through which thousands of travelers and workers pass daily.
The Gray Memorial Foundation is calling on artists to submit ideas for an installation on the 30th Street side of the Great Hall that reflect Gray’s commitment to social justice and education and his legacy of empowerment and coalition building.
"Our hope is to help bring in a new civic landmark for this city that also channels the values of Congressman Gray and his legacy," says Paul Farber, director of the nonprofit Monument Lab, which is coordinating the project.
"The artists will help bring together Congressman Gray's values with the life of this station. So it's putting artwork here that will eventually have a life of its own."
A digital component is also part of the plan so visitors can easily learn about Gray's life and influence.
At an announcement Thursday, the chair of the foundation, the congressman's son, Justin Gray, said the group had raised $3.7 million toward its $6 million goal. It's expected an artist will be chosen early next year, with the memorial to be unveiled in spring 2026.