In a significant move towards promoting equality and commemorating the legacy of the late Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a bronze statue of the renowned civil rights leader was erected on the grounds of the Dekalb County Courthouse in Georgia. The statue stands tall at 12 feet and was designed by internationally acclaimed sculptor Basil Watson. The site holds particular significance as it was previously occupied by a Confederate monument that was removed in 2020.

The placement of the statue took place on Friday, with Watson himself witnessing the historic moment. The official unveiling of the statue is scheduled for August 24, allowing the public to pay homage to Lewis and his lifelong dedication to the pursuit of justice and equality. Speaking to The Associated Press, Watson expressed excitement over witnessing the statue being installed, emphasizing the importance of what Lewis represented and the significance of replacing the prior Confederate monument.

Rep. John Lewis gained national prominence during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, where he played a pivotal role in advocating for change and inspiring others through nonviolent protests. Lewis's leadership extended to his position as the head of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). He was also a trusted confidante of the legendary Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr.

Lewis's courageous commitment to the cause of equality was exemplified during the historic march in Selma, Alabama, where he and other civil rights leaders were brutally beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Despite the adversity he faced, Lewis remained resolute in his fight to dismantle racial injustice.

The statue at the Dekalb County Courthouse serves as just one testament to Lewis's profound impact on American history. Following his passing in 2020 due to pancreatic cancer, Lewis was laid in state at the Capitol, a rare honor bestowed upon individuals who have made indelible contributions to the nation.

Groups such as the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights and Hate Free Decatur actively advocated for the removal of the Confederate monument and subsequently proposed the erection of a statue in honor of Lewis during his younger years in the Decatur square. They expressed hope that the younger generation's pivotal role in the removal of the monument would be recognized through the installation of such a statue.

The former Confederate monument drew intense scrutiny during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, following the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of the police. Decatur authorities sought the removal of the monument after it became a target for vandalism and graffiti, posing a threat to public safety.

Beyond the Dekalb County Courthouse, another memorial to Rep. John Lewis has replaced the statue of Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens in the U.S. Capitol. This exceptional honor signifies the nation's commitment to commemorating Lewis's contributions to the civil rights movement and his advocacy for equality.

As Democrats rally around preserving Lewis's legacy, efforts to honor his impact have taken various forms, including the introduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. This pivotal bill aims to address the erosion of voting rights protections that have been weakened by the Supreme Court in recent years. The legislation seeks to restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act spearheaded by Lewis during the Civil Rights Movement.

The placement of the statue of Rep. John Lewis at the Dekalb County Courthouse not only symbolizes progress but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against racial inequality. The statue's presence stands as a powerful testament to the lasting legacy of a man who dedicated his life to fighting for justice and civil rights.