DeKalb County to unveil historic memorial in honor of the late Congressman John Lewis Aug. 24

DECATUR, GA—A memorial honoring the late Congressman John Lewis is scheduled to be unveiled during a ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m., DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and Board of Commissioners’ Presiding Officer Mereda Davis Johnson announced on Wednesday, July 24.

“Congressman John Lewis’ legacy of pursuing ‘good trouble’ will be memorialized and celebrated by this tribute to a great man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of freedom, justice and equality for all,” Thurmond said.

Further details about the event will be provided closer to the date.

The memorial, conceptualized by the John Lewis Commemorative Task Force after four years of planning and a global search for an artist, was designed by renowned sculptor Basil Watson.

“John was a giant of a man with a humble heart,” Commissioner Davis Johnson said. “He never met a stranger and was truly our hero. He is so deserving of this honor.”

Established in August 2020 by Commissioner Davis Johnson and Decatur City Mayor Patti Garrett, the John Lewis Commemorative Task Force commissioned Watson to design the memorial to honor Congressman Lewis’s life and legacy.

The task force raised over $700,000 for the project and has transferred the artwork to DeKalb County Government.

For more information, the public is encouraged to visit www.johnlewistribute.com