Unveiling of John Lewis Statue in Decatur Marks Turning Point in Local History
DECATUR, Ga. — A significant crowd gathered at a city park in Decatur, Georgia, on Saturday to celebrate the unveiling of a towering bronze statue of the late civil rights leader and congressman John Lewis. The statue stands in the very location where a controversial Confederate monument once stood before its removal in 2020.
Community Applauds the New Monument
The atmosphere was filled with admiration as attendees, including local residents, politicians, and civil rights advocates, erupted in applause when the black veil was pulled back to reveal the impressive 12-foot-tall statue, as reported by Atlanta television station WSB-TV.
Legacy of a Civil Rights Champion
John Lewis, renowned for his courageous efforts during the Civil Rights Movement, served as a Democratic congressman from Georgia until his passing in 2020 due to pancreatic cancer. His statue is a tribute to his enduring legacy and commitment to justice and equality.
The Context of Change
The statue replaces an obelisk that honored the Confederacy, erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1908. Its removal in 2020 came after years of advocacy from groups like the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights and Hate Free Decatur, particularly accelerated by a call for social justice following the violent 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Addressing Community Safety
This move was part of a larger national conversation, reignited by the tragic death of George Floyd in May 2020. The city of Decatur sought legal action to remove the ex-Confederate monument, labeling it a threat to public safety as it became a site of constant vandalism and graffiti.
