MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A Milwaukee neighborhood came together Saturday to honor a local housing pioneer whose work helped create new opportunities for Black families in the city.

A new statue of real estate developer Beechie O. Brooks was unveiled at Gaines Triangle near North Sixth Street and West Lloyd Street.

Brooks is credited with helping create a suburban-style subdivision for Black residents in Milwaukee, with the development taking shape in the mid-1970s.

The Halyard Park Association Foundation raised more than $100,000 to fund the statue and commemorate Brooks' contributions to the community.

Brooks' daughter, Cassandra Brooks, attended Saturday's unveiling and said she was moved by the turnout and recognition of her father's legacy.

"I'm very humbled to see everyone out and excited to see everyone come out and support this project," she said. "It was long overdue, but nevertheless, we made it."

The statue now stands as a permanent tribute to Brooks and his role in expanding housing opportunities for Black Milwaukeeans.