Georgia Honors John Lewis: New Statue Replaces Confederate Obelisk in Decatur
On August 24, a new statue honoring the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis was unveiled in Decatur, an Atlanta suburb. This statue replaces a former Confederate monument that once stood in the same location.
The John Lewis Memorial, crafted by Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson, was installed in Decatur Square, in front of the Historic Decatur Courthouse. The 12-foot statue depicts Lewis with his hands over his heart, a gesture that symbolized his deep love and commitment to others.
John Lewis, a prominent civil rights leader, was known for his tireless activism and dedication to racial equality. In the 1960s, he was a Freedom Rider who challenged segregation on buses throughout the South. As chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Lewis played a key role in organizing the March on Washington and experienced police brutality during the Selma-to-Montgomery marches in 1965.
Lewis served as the U.S. representative for Georgia’s 5th district, which includes Decatur, from 1987 until his death in 2020. His commitment to advancing racial justice continued throughout his congressional career. In 2011, Former President Barack Obama honored his lifetime of service with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Following Lewis’ death, a joint task force began planning a tribute to the esteemed leader. The project received approval in 2021, culminating in the installation of the statue at the site of a 30-foot Confederate obelisk. The Confederate monument, placed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1908, was removed in 2020 amid the Black Lives Matter protests, clearing the way for Lewis’ memorial.
The John Lewis Memorial stands as a testament to his legacy, celebrating his dedication to equality and justice and his efforts to uplift the Black community.
