A 12-foot-tall bronze statue of the late civil rights icon and Georgia congressman John Lewis was installed in Decatur, Georgia. This statue replaced a contentious Confederate monument that had stood in the town square for over 110 years before being dismantled in 2020. The internationally acclaimed sculptor Basil Watson oversaw the installation process, expressing excitement for what the new statue represents and what it replaces. Lewis was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and famously advocated for getting into “good trouble” in the pursuit of justice.
Protesters in DeKalb County had been calling for the removal of the Confederate monument for years, invoking Lewis’s mantra of “good trouble” as they pushed for its swift dismantling. The obelisk, erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1908, was eventually removed in 2020 amidst jeers and chants from onlookers demanding its removal. Groups like the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights and Hate Free Decatur had been advocating for the monument’s removal since the deadly 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Decatur’s Confederate monument, like many others around the country, became a focal point for protests against police brutality and racial injustice following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The city requested a Georgia judge to order the monument’s removal due to concerns about public safety, as it had been repeatedly vandalized and marked by graffiti. The statue of Lewis, in contrast, is intended to honor his legacy and the importance of continuing his fight for justice and equality.
The statue of John Lewis will be officially unveiled on August 24th, commemorating his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and his ongoing impact on American society. Lewis’s call to get into “good trouble” serves as a reminder of the power of nonviolent protest and activism in the face of injustice. Watson’s sculpture pays tribute to Lewis’s unwavering commitment to equality and civil rights, highlighting the importance of remembering and honoring those who have dedicated their lives to fighting for a more just and equitable society.
The installation of the John Lewis statue in Decatur marks a significant moment in the town’s history, symbolizing a shift towards acknowledging and honoring the contributions of civil rights leaders. The removal of the Confederate monument and the installation of the Lewis statue reflect changing attitudes towards symbols of the Confederacy and a broader movement towards recognizing and celebrating the achievements of African American leaders. The unveiling of the statue is expected to draw crowds and dignitaries, further solidifying Lewis’s legacy as a champion for justice and equality.
As communities across the country grapple with the legacy of racism and inequality, monuments like the statue of John Lewis serve as reminders of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice. The installation of the statue in Decatur represents a step towards acknowledging the past and working towards a more inclusive and equitable future. By honoring the legacy of leaders like Lewis, communities can continue to inspire new generations to engage in the fight for equality and justice. Lewis’s statue stands as a testament to the power of activism and the enduring impact of those who have dedicated their lives to creating a more just society for all.
