John Lewis Statue Replaces 100-Year-Old Confederate Monument

A monumental change took place in Decatur, Georgia, on Friday, as a striking bronze statue of the late civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis was installed at a prominent location that had previously hosted a contested Confederate monument for over 110 years.

The statue, standing 12 feet tall (or 3.7 meters), was carefully lowered into place by work crews, with the renowned sculptor, Basil Watson, observing the installation closely. “It’s exciting to see it going up and exciting for the city because of what he represents and what it’s replacing,” Watson shared as he contributed to the process.

John Lewis is celebrated for his courageous role in the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring generations to engage in what he termed “good trouble.” This call for engagement has resonated deeply within DeKalb County, where protests against the long-standing Confederate obelisk gained momentum. Activists repeatedly invoked Lewis’s famous phrase to rally for the monument’s removal.

In 2020, as calls for racial justice surged, the Confederate monument was removed amid cheers and chants from the assembled crowd. Many onlookers urged the crews to hasten the dismantling of the stone obelisk, installed in 1908 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Local sheriff’s deputies maintained a perimeter to keep the enthusiastic crowd at a safe distance.

Advocacy for the removal of the monument had been ongoing, spurred by groups such as the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights and Hate Free Decatur. These organizations intensified their efforts after the 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, which left a lasting impact on communities nationwide.

The Confederate monument in Decatur became a focal point as protests erupted across the country, ignited by the tragic death of George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. In the wake of Floyd’s death, the city of Decatur sought a Georgia judge’s order for the monument’s removal, highlighting the increased safety concerns surrounding the structure, which had frequently been vandalized and defaced with graffiti.

The statue of John Lewis represents not just a memorial to a pivotal civil rights figure but also a new chapter for the community, which is eager to embrace the values of equality and justice that Lewis championed throughout his life. The statue’s official unveiling is scheduled for August 24, marking a significant occasion in honoring his legacy.

As communities across the nation grapple with their histories and the symbols they choose to commemorate, the installation of Lewis’s statue stands as a testament to the ongoing quest for justice and recognition of civil rights leaders who have paved the way for future generations.