The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture plans to install a permanent bronze sculpture of the late Charlye O. Farris as part of “The Legends Project,” an effort to honor North Texas legends and trailblazers.

Farris holds the distinction of becoming the first African-American woman licensed to practice law in Texas, the first African-American attorney, male or female, in Wichita County, and the first African-American to serve as a judge in the South since Reconstruction.

The Alliance has engaged Lubbock-based Master Sculptor Eddie Dixon to design and create the sculpture. The sculpture will be prominently located on the Wichita Courthouse Lawn, directly across from Farris’ longtime law offices.

The Alliance has established a fund at the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation for anyone wishing to contribute to the project. Donations can also be made online or by texting LEGEND to 53-555. All donations are tax-deductible.

2022 Exhibition

In 2022, An exhibition featuring a timeline of Ms. Farris’ life in context with the Civil Rights Movement and local history was on view in Wichita Falls. View the timeline and photos of the full exhibition by clicking here.