Jimmy Williams
On Saturday, a crowd of neighbors, politicians, and civil rights leaders gathered in a Georgia city park to witness the unveiling of a 12-foot-tall bronze statue of the late civil rights leader and congressman John Lewis.
The statue now stands proudly in Decatur’s historic square, replacing a Confederate monument that was removed from the same location four years ago.
The ceremony took place in front of an enthusiastic crowd that applauded as the black veil was pulled down, revealing the statue of Lewis, a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement and longtime Democratic congressman from Georgia. Lewis, who passed away in 2020 from pancreatic cancer, was a key figure in the struggle for civil rights, known for his role in leading marches and advocating for justice and equality. His legacy is now enshrined in the heart of Decatur.
The statue stands where a controversial Confederate monument, erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1908, once stood. The Confederate obelisk was dismantled in 2020 following years of activism by local groups like the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights and Hate Free Decatur. These organizations began their efforts to remove the monument after the deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017.
The Confederate monument became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis in 2020. Amid the nationwide demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice, the city of Decatur petitioned a Georgia judge to order the removal of the monument, citing its frequent vandalism and the threat it posed to public safety.
The new John Lewis statue symbolizes the shift toward honoring civil rights heroes in a region once dominated by Confederate symbols. Lewis’ contributions to racial equality and justice resonate deeply with the community, and his statue serves as a testament to his enduring legacy.
“Today, we are not just honoring John Lewis’ legacy but embracing the change he fought for,” one speaker at the unveiling noted. “This statue represents hope, justice, and the belief that we all have the power to make a difference.”
With the removal of the Confederate monument and the installation of the John Lewis statue, Decatur has turned a new page in its history, focusing on inclusivity and honoring those who dedicated their lives to the fight for civil rights.
