Latest news with #CalvinSmyre
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Morehouse School of Medicine names building after former State Rep. Calvin Smyre
The longest-serving member of the Georgia House of Representatives has received a new honor for his decades of service. On Thursday, Morehouse School of Medicine dedicated a new building to former State Rep. Calvin Smyre, who has supported the institution since it started. Channel 2′s Karyn Greer was there as Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens cut the ribbon for the dedication of the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center. 'Having a building that houses our future generation of doctors named after you is a wild moment,' Smyre said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Smyre was 26 in 1974 when he was first elected to the Georgia State House where he served for 48 years before stepping down in 2023 at the age of 74. Now decades later, Smyre's contributions to the state is literally being etched in stone. 'To be involved in this process and to have been involved with the Morehouse School of Medicine since 1975, and it's 2025, that's 50 years. And to see these young students, you know, it just brings joy to you,' he said. Gov. Kemp said he's proud to have closely worked with Smyre for so many years. 'Calvin Smyre is just a great American, a great Georgian, great member of the House of Representatives and somebody that I've worked very closely with,' the governor said. 'And I think you saw that, saw the affection he had for our past governors and how closely he worked with them and appreciated them.' TRENDING STORIES: Young Thug's attorney says rapper didn't violate his probation over social media repost Dow drops nearly 1,680 in biggest wipeout since 2020 as fears of fallout from tariffs shake markets 'Speedy Gonzalez' arrested in string of Walmart thefts First Lady Marty Kemp says she has a special relationship with Smyre, who served in the State House with her father, Bob Argo. 'When Brian did his first day at the state, they let me sit in dad's seat, and I turned around, and [Smyre] was like, 'That's Mr. Bob's seat.' And it just meant so much,' she said. Building the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center took three years and $14.5 million. Morehouse School of Medicine President Dr. Valerie Montgomery-Rice says she proud of the work that went into it, and to get to recognize Smyre. 'This is a special day, this is a three-year dream come true. And it is the culmination of really acknowledging the work of someone who's been our champion,' Dr. Montgomery-Rice said. Smyre is still a board member emeritus at the school and continues to tout the work they've done to legislators and community leaders. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Black History Month: New portrait of Rep. Calvin Smyre unveiled at Georgia State Capitol
Just a few feet from the doors of the Georgia House chamber, the well-deserved portrait of longtime Columbus Rep. Calvin Smyre is displayed in a place of honor. His is only the seventh portrait of an African American to ever be displayed inside the capitol. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Fifty years after he first entered the House, Democrats, Republicans, friends and family all gathered to honor Smyre, who is the longest serving legislator in Georgia history. 'I'm deeply humbled,' he said. Columbus sent Smyre to the Capitol back in 1974 where he quickly caught the eye of longtime House Speaker Tom Murphy, who took him under his wing. His portrait now hangs near Murphy's. Smyre became the first Black floor leader in state history in 1986 and served as the floor leader for Gov. Zell Miller and Gov. Roy Barnes. Miller died in 2018, but Barnes attended the ceremony to honor his friend. 'There is no other person that deserves this honor anymore than Calvin Smyre,' he said. MORE BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Black History Month explained: Its origins, celebrations Atlanta center works to build Black businesses, inspire entrepreneurs WSB celebrates our trailblazers during Black History Month Atlanta rapper Ludacris shares latest effort to give back to next generation with new music program Over the decades, Smyre built a reputation as a bridge builder who was able to bring Democrats and Republicans, Liberals and Conservatives to the table. As evidence, Republicans came to the House Chamber to honor Smyre and show their appreciation. 'For over 20 years now, I've had the great pleasure alongside this champion of policies that have been and still are working that are critical to build a brighter future for every citizen of our great state,' Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns said. In his trademark humble style, Smyre thanked everyone else for his successes during his nearly 50 years in office with a parade he often tells. 'If you ever see a turtle sitting on a fencepost, you know that he or she didn't get there by themselves. Somebody helped put them there,' he said. Smyre stepped down from his seat in 2022. He held leadership positions in the Democratic Party at the local, state and national level. Outside the legislature, he worked at Synovus as executive vice president of corporate external affairs and the headed the company's foundation. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
