The idea of seeing his portrait hadn’t set in yet.
Former Mayor Jerome Prince knew his face would join those who held his position, but he didn’t quite understand the relevance until the portrait was unveiled.
“I earned it,” Prince said. “Today is the culmination of 24 years of service, really, 25 if you include when I first started as a precinct committeeman.”
Gary officials on Monday unveiled Prince’s portrait, which is set to go in city hall alongside those of other former mayors. Common Council President Tai Adkins, D-4th, and Mayor Eddie Melton spoke before artist Gerri Browning unveiled the portrait.
The tradition celebrates the leadership and generosity of former mayors, Adkins said.
“Mayor Prince’s leadership has left a lasting impact on the city of Gary,” Adkins added, “and this fortress will stand as a testament to his contributions.”
Prince was elected in November 2019. Melton defeated him in the May 2023 Democratic primary when Prince ran for re-election.
The former mayor also represented the city’s Fifth District on the Common Council, was a member of the Lake County Council and served as county assessor.
Some of Prince’s favorite accomplishments include efforts establishing police reform, starting the Mayor’s Leadership Institute and citywide cleanup efforts, he said. Prince believes Melton is continuing his cleanup efforts, among other projects.
“We’re making progress,” Prince said. “But the real change isn’t going to come until everyone understands that this is our home, and they need to respect it as such.”
Melton said he’s grateful for Prince’s work for the city, specifically mentioning his help during the administration’s transition period.
“Serving as mayor of Gary, I understand the lasting impact you can have on the lives of this great city,” he said.
Browning, a local doctor and self-proclaimed amateur artist, called it an honor to paint Prince’s portrait. He grew up with Prince’s wife, DeAnna, in East Chicago, which Browning said made the work more special.
The artist created multiple renditions of Prince’s portrait, one of which he plans to finish and give the former mayor. Three weeks ago, Browning started re-doing the portrait because he wasn’t satisfied with it.
“This is a ‘pedal to the metal’ rendition,” he said.
Prince applauded Browning’s work, calling it beautiful.
“I think when a person sees a portrait or picture of themselves and think it looks like them, that within itself is the example of a great job,” he said.
The former mayor told attendees that he did everything out of love for Gary’s citizens.
Prince was pleased to see family and close friends at the portrait unveiling, who he said stuck by him throughout his political career. Without their support, Prince said he couldn’t have served Gary as well.
“I know they supported me 100%, including coming out, rolling up their sleeves and working as well,” he said. “We all understood, as natives of the city, what it took and what we believe it would take to bring it back.”
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
