In a powerful tribute to the late civil rights leader and congressman John Lewis, a towering 12ft-tall statue was unveiled in Decatur Square, Georgia on Saturday. The statue, which stands proudly outside the historic Decatur courthouse, pays homage to Lewis's unwavering dedication to fighting for justice and equality. Lewis, who represented the district in Congress from 1987 until his passing in 2020, is remembered as a key figure in the civil rights movement.

Replacing a Confederate obelisk that was erected in 1908, the John Lewis statue symbolizes a significant shift in how the community chooses to honor its history. The removal of the Confederate monument took place in June 2020 during the heightened Black Lives Matter demonstrations ignited by the tragic death of George Floyd. The statue's unveiling marks another step towards embracing a more inclusive and representative narrative.

Renowned sculptor Basil Watson meticulously crafted the statue, capturing Lewis with his hands placed over his heart. This gesture held deep meaning for Lewis, representing gratitude and love to everyone who fought alongside him for justice. Michael Collins, Lewis's former chief of staff, shared that the posture was a fitting portrayal of the congressman's spirit, showing his unwavering gratitude and love towards others.

Throughout his life, Lewis was at the forefront of the civil rights movement. As a leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, he courageously led protests across the southern United States. Lewis's dedication to peaceful activism is exemplified by the infamous "Bloody Sunday" incident in 1965, during which he and several other protesters were brutally attacked by police while crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.

Lewis's tireless efforts were recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, awarded by President Barack Obama. This esteemed honor celebrated Lewis's significant contributions to the civil rights movement and his remarkable tenure as a congressman.

The John Lewis statue replaces a former Confederate obelisk, a monument that was frequently vandalized by protesters. Erected in 1908 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the obelisk's removal represents a collective call for justice and a rejection of the symbolism associated with leaders of the Ku Klux Klan. The inscription on the obelisk spoke of preserving the memory of Confederate soldiers and sailors, but its meaning no longer aligned with the community's values.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a total of 33 Confederate statues have been removed across multiple states in the years 2021 and 2022. These removals reflect a growing movement to reevaluate the public display of Confederate monuments and symbols.

The unveiling of the John Lewis statue is a significant step towards honoring the legacy of a champion for equality and justice. It stands as a powerful symbol of progress, reminding us of the ongoing fight for a more inclusive society. The statue's presence in Decatur Square serves as a reminder of John Lewis's unwavering dedication to the civil rights movement and his enduring impact on American history.