The Unveiling of the John Lewis Statue

A Symbol of Progress and Hope

In a historic event that marks a significant shift in the cultural landscape of Dekalb County, Georgia, a statue of the late civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis was unveiled. The ceremony, which took place on Decatur Square, was poignant. The statue replaced a Confederate obelisk that had stood for over a century before the DeKalb County courthouse.

The 12-foot bronze statue, created by artist Basil Watson, now stands as a beacon of progress and a testament to the enduring legacy of John Lewis, who dedicated his life to the fight for civil rights and social justice. The unveiling drew a crowd of neighbors, politicians, and civil rights leaders; all gathered to honor a man who not only represented the Atlanta area in Congress for 34 years but also stood as a moral compass for the nation.

Lewis, who passed away in 2020, was a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He was one of the original Freedom Riders, a keynote speaker at the historic 1963 March on Washington, and a victim of police brutality during the Selma to Montgomery marches. His commitment to nonviolence and equality made him a respected and beloved figure across political lines.

The statue’s unveiling was a local event and a national statement, reflecting the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive and equitable society. It replaces divisive symbols of the past with those representing the values of courage, equality, and democracy that John Lewis embodied.

The event was marked by speeches from notable figures such as Senator Raphael Warnock and Ambassador Andrew Young, who highlighted the importance of Lewis’s work and the need to continue his legacy of advocating for voting rights and social justice.

Congressman Sanford Bishop from Georgia’s 8th Congressional District and Congresswoman Nikema Williams, who succeeded Lewis in Congress from Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District, also paid tribute to Lewis.

Additionally, outgoing Dekalb County, Georgia Chief Executive Officer Michael Thurmond praised the unnamed middle and high school students who demonstrated before the county commission demanding the removal of the monument to the Confederacy, making it possible to have the space to honor Lewis. The presence of such dignitaries underscored the statue’s significance as a new landmark for the community and the country at large.

As we reflect on the unveiling of the John Lewis statue, we see that it serves as a reminder of the power of collective memory and the importance of honoring those who have paved the way for change. It stands as a symbol of hope for future generations, inspiring all to continue building a more just and equitable world.

Harold Michael Harvey, JD, is the Living Now 2020 Bronze Medal winner for his memoir Freaknik Lawyer: A Memoir on the Craft of Resistance. He is the author of a book on Negro Leagues Baseball, The Duke of 18th & Vine: Bob Kendrick Pitches Negro Leagues Baseball. He writes feature stories for Black College Nines. Com. Harvey is a member of the Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, HBCU and PRO Sports Media Association, and the Legends Committee for the National College Baseball Hall of Fame. Harvey is an engaging speaker. Contact Harvey at [email protected].