City to Honor LGBTQ+ Trailblazer, Kathy Kozachenko, with Life-sized Statue at City Hall

The City of Ann Arbor is announcing plans to honor a pivotal figure in LGBTQ+ history, Kathy Kozachenko, with a life-sized statue to be placed outside Larcom City Hall. Kozachenko made history in Ann Arbor in 1974 when, at just 21 years old and a University of Michigan student, she became the first openly gay person elected to public office in the United States.

The statue will reflect the era in which Kozachenko served and will serve as a lasting tribute to her courage, leadership and contribution to equality. 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor is generously hosting the fundraising effort for the project. The city has set a fundraising goal of $100,000 to fully cover costs related to the commission and installation of the statue. Community members who wish to contribute can donate online via the Jewish Federation’s website.

A public dedication ceremony will be held once the statue is completed, with plans to honor Kozachenko in person for her historic and ongoing impact.

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Media Contact: 

Lisa Wondrash, Communications Director, lwondrash@a2gov.org