Artist Austen Brantley Speaks Out After Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson Statue Theft Sparks Call to Preserve Black Legacy

A community feels a collective sting as news spreads about the recent theft of a bronze statue honoring the late Lt. Colonel Alexander Jefferson, a member of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen. For Detroit artist Austen Brantley, who crafted the statue, the act represents not just a personal blow but a moment of reckoning for the community about the value of public art and the commitment to preserving Black heritage. “People can destroy art,” Brantley says, “but I won’t give up. I will never stop creating and sharing work that speaks to our interconnected stories.” This statue, a 600-pound bronze sculpture unveiled in Rouge Park earlier this year, stood as a tribute to Jefferson’s legacy — a proud reminder of Black resilience and accomplishment. Jefferson was part of an all-Black fighter squadron in World War II that defied racial discrimination to protect American bombers. As one of Detroit’s own, he fought on two fronts: against enemies abroad and systemic racism at home. The Airmen’s low loss record earned them respect, but the challenges of their time are far from forgotten. Jefferson passed in 2022, at 100 years old, leaving a legacy of perseverance and pride that Brantley sought to capture in...