Statue of John Lewis Unveiled in Decatur

A 12-foot statue of civil rights icon and former Congressman John Lewis was unveiled in Decatur Square, Georgia, replacing a Confederate obelisk that stood for over a century. Created by Atlanta artist Basil Watson, the statue honors Lewis's lifelong dedication to social justice and his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. The Confederate monument was removed in 2020 amid nationwide protests following George Floyd's murder. The unveiling event featured remarks from notable figures, including Sen. Raphael Warnock and civil rights activist Andrew Young. Dekalb County CEO Michael Thurmond emphasized the importance of the statue as a representation of brotherhood and progress, contrasting it with the previous monument of hate. The project, initiated in 2020, raised $700,000 and reflects ongoing efforts to address historical injustices in public spaces.