Decatur, GA – A New Era Begins with John Lewis Statue Installation
- A 16-foot-tall sculpture of the civil rights icon John Lewis replaces a 30-foot-tall obelisk Confederate monument in Georgia.
- The bronze statue was installed at the spot where the Confederate monument stood for more than 100 years before being dismantled in 2020.
- The installation marks the beginning of a new era honoring the late civil rights leader.
A 12-foot-tall bronze statue of the late Congressman John Lewis was installed outside the DeKalb County Courthouse in Decatur, Georgia, on Friday. This significant addition replaces a Confederate monument that had stood in the same location for over 112 years before its removal in June 2020. The statue, created by Jamaican artist Basil Watson, symbolizes a shift in the community's values, particularly in the wake of national racial justice movements ignited by the police killing of George Floyd. The installation of Lewis's statue marks a pivotal moment for Decatur, which has seen a growing movement to reassess its historical monuments. The previous Confederate obelisk, erected in 1908 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, became a focal point for protests against racial injustice. Local advocacy groups, including the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights, had long campaigned for its removal, citing its role in perpetuating white supremacy and historical inaccuracies. Lewis, a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, was known for his commitment to nonviolent protest and his famous call to "get in good trouble." He served in Congress from 1987 until his death in July 2020. The statue's unveiling is scheduled for August 24, further solidifying Lewis's legacy in a community that has actively sought to confront its past. As Decatur continues to evolve, the installation of the Lewis statue represents not only a tribute to a civil rights leader but also a broader commitment to justice and equality in the face of historical injustices.