![](https://i0.wp.com/milwaukeecourieronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Statue-of-the-Late-Welford-Sanders.jpg?resize=536%2C723&ssl=1)
(All Photos by Chris Davis)
By Karen Stokes
Community leaders and residents gathered at the Welford Sanders Historic Lofts and Enterprise Center to celebrate the dedication of a life size statue of the late Welford Sanders on Thursday, Oct. 28.
![](https://i0.wp.com/milwaukeecourieronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Statue-of-the-Late-Welford-Sanders-2.jpg?resize=536%2C720&ssl=1)
(All Photos by Chris Davis)
Sanders left behind a strong legacy as a role model and community advocate. Sanders, who passed in 2015 at the age of 65, was a leader who used his voice and talents for the community. He led redevelopment efforts for the King Drive Commons and various Harambee neighborhood projects.
![](https://i0.wp.com/milwaukeecourieronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Statue-of-the-Late-Welford-Sanders-3.jpg?resize=536%2C720&ssl=1)
(All Photos by Chris Davis)
Sanders wore many hats, including president of Growing Power, UWM teacher and executive director of the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation (MLKEDC).
![](https://i0.wp.com/milwaukeecourieronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/martin-luther-king-economic-development-corporation-poster-thank-you-sponsors.jpg?resize=537%2C719&ssl=1)
(All Photos by Chris Davis)
“Today a special ceremony was held to dedicate a statue in honor of the late Welford Sanders who served for 15 years as the executive director of the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation,” Ald. Milele Coggs said in a statement.
![](https://i0.wp.com/milwaukeecourieronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vinnie-bagwell-artist-Statue-of-the-Late-Welford-Sanders.jpg?resize=536%2C720&ssl=1)
(All Photos by Chris Davis)
The award-winning Welford Sanders Historic Lofts and Enterprise Center, 2812 N. 5th St., named for Sanders, is a 210,850-square-foot project that includes 59 loft-style apartments. This project renovated the former Nunn Bush shoe factory into affordable apartments and office space.
![](https://i0.wp.com/milwaukeecourieronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/man-speaking-at-dedication-of-Statue-of-the-Late-Welford-Sanders.jpg?resize=800%2C362&ssl=1)
(All Photos by Chris Davis)
“Mr. Sanders was truly a champion of the community and a visionary for the potential of King Drive,” Coggs stated. “He was always aiming high for what he thought could, and should be done to bring prosperity to the area.”
![](https://i0.wp.com/milwaukeecourieronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/group-photo-dedication-Statue-of-the-Late-Welford-Sanders.jpg?resize=800%2C555&ssl=1)
(All Photos by Chris Davis)
“I could not think of a better tribute for Mr. Sanders than the statue dedicated today that was created by artist Vinnie Bagwell,” Coggs said. “It will serve as a continued reminder of the impact he had, and continue to have, in and around King Drive.”