Mary P. Sharp Sculpture

Mary P. Sharp was an East Lansing City Councilmember from 1965 to 1977 and was a trailblazer who passionately advocated for equality and civil rights for all people.

At a time when East Lansing was not a community that prided itself on its diversity, Mary championed open housing laws for all people. She passionately believed open housing laws were a civil right. Her early aggressive stance on open housing resulted in a ban against discriminatory practices that kept racial minorities from buying homes in East Lansing. She was also the first legal counsel on human rights to the president of Michigan State University and served as an active member of the Michigan Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, Greater Lansing Urban League and many other state and community organizations.

Mary passed away in February 2006, but she will always be remembered as a forward-thinking individual, known for her vitality, sense of humor, intelligence and straight-forward style of communication. Never letting criticism stand in the way of doing what she believed was right; Mary tirelessly served the East Lansing community. Read Mary’s full biography.

About Artist Richard Taylor

Richard Taylor earned a Master of Fine Art in painting from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. He works out of his studio in the Riverwest area of Milwaukee. His sculptures can be found in galleries and public places; they rise from the ground, hover in the air and cling to walls. His work is inspired by music, by the power of personal memory, by found objects and by clarity. Learn more about the artist.