A statue honoring civil rights hero and US Congressman John Lewis was unveiled in Decatur Square, replacing a Confederate monument that stood there for over a century. Created by Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson, the 12-foot tall statue depicts Lewis with his hands over his heart, symbolizing his love for others. Lewis was a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement, a Freedom Rider, and one of the “Big Six” civil rights leaders who organized the March on Washington.
Lewis served as a US representative for Georgia’s 5th Congressional District until his death in 2020 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his dedication to civil rights and equality. The Confederate obelisk that stood in Decatur Square for over 110 years was seen as a symbol of division and was removed in 2020 amid protests following the murder of George Floyd.
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond heralded the replacement of the Confederate monument with the John Lewis Memorial as a symbol of peace and progress. The unveiling of the statue marks a significant moment in honoring the legacy of John Lewis and commemorating his lifelong dedication to equality and social justice.
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