Georgia Regents Vote to Honor Longest-Serving Member of Georgia Legislature, Rep. Calvin Smyre; Portrait to Be Hung in Capitol

The Georgia Board of Regents has voted to honor former state Rep. Calvin Smyre, the longest-serving member in Georgia’s legislative history, by naming a building in his honor at his alma mater, Fort Valley State University. Smyre, who retired from the Georgia General Assembly in 2022 after a distinguished 48-year career, will also receive another rare and significant recognition: a portrait in the Georgia State Capitol.

The public ceremony for the portrait unveiling will take place on January 23 at 12:30 p.m. in the Georgia House of Representatives Chamber. Smyre’s portrait will be displayed in a prominent location just outside the House chamber, next to the anteroom for visitors, honoring his remarkable legacy.

Throughout his political career, Smyre authored historic legislation, including making Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a state holiday, creating the Georgia Dome, and co-sponsoring the bill that created a new state flag that eliminated the Confederate emblem. He also played an instrumental role in the passage of Georgia’s 2020 hate crimes law.

Smyre’s legacy also includes strong advocacy for Georgia’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). In 1990, he founded the Fountain City Classic, an annual football game between Fort Valley State University and Albany State University, which continues to foster community ties and celebrate HBCUs.

In recognition of his commitment to education and community development, the Board of Regents has voted to rename the Kell Building in downtown Fort Valley to the Calvin Smyre Building. The facility, originally constructed in the early 20th century, will undergo renovations to house the Center for Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship, aimed at promoting agribusiness in Middle Georgia.

Smyre will be the seventh African American to have a portrait displayed in the Georgia State Capitol, joining the ranks of notable Georgians, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.