ATL Stories: Remembering Civil Rights icon Rep. John Lewis
By Anika Robertson
It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Civil Rights icon and American hero, Rep. John Lewis. He was 80 years old. Regarded as “the Conscience of Congress,” Congressman John Lewis steadfastly fought for equality as representative of the 5th District of Georgia for more than three decades.
As a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement, Lewis participated in the Freedom Rides of 1961 and in 1963, Lewis became chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. That same year, he helped plan the March on Washington and was the youngest speaker at the event.
Over the course of his life, Lewis has been honored with over 50 honorary degrees and numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, the Liberty Medal in 2016, NAACP’s Spingarn Medal in 2002 and the sole John F. Kennedy “Profile in Courage Award” for Lifetime Achievement.
In April 2019, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Hartsfield-Jackson honored Congressman John Lewis by unveiling “Good Trouble: A Tribute to Congressman John Lewis,” a multidimensional art exhibit in ATL’s Domestic Terminal atrium.
The idea for a tribute wall for the civil rights icon began in 2017 when Councilperson Andre Dickens authored legislation to create a task force for determining the best ways to honor Lewis. ATL’s Art Program recommended Gary Lee Super as lead designer of the tribute, who collected artifacts befitting the 25-foot space, including Lewis’ beloved chickens he preached to as a boy, his Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded in 2011, and the pen former president Lyndon B. Johnson used to sign the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was gifted to the former Freedom Rider. Atop the display, a painting by artist Alexi Torres depicts images and icons of Lewis’ life.
Prior tributes to Lewis in Atlanta include the renaming of Freedom Parkway to John Lewis Freedom Parkway, a painted trail representing the Freedom Riders, and John Lewis Plaza.
To honor Lewis, several “Celebration of Life” ceremonies will take place in Alabama, Washington D.C. and Atlanta, which will be livestreamed on several platforms.
In light of the pandemic, the family encourages Congressman Lewis’s many supporters to organize John Lewis Virtual Love Events in their homes to watch the ceremonies. They will be live streamed on multiple platforms. To fully participate, all are encouraged to tie a blue or purple ribbon on their front doors or in their front yards to commemorate his life. They can post video, photos, songs, or any kind of virtual tribute to Rep. Lewis at #BelovedCommunity or #Human Dignity or leave a written tribute at johnlewislegacy.org. In lieu of flowers, visit http://johnandlillianmileslewisfoundation.org.
See the schedule below for upcoming events commemorating Lewis:
“The Conscience of the Congress”
Monday and Tuesday, July 27-28 in Washington, DC
Special Ceremony Proceeding the Lying in State
Rotunda, United States Capitol
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Congressman Lewis Lies in State
United States Capitol
3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Open to the public. The family kindly is asking attendees to wear face and mouth coverings.
Lying in State
United States Capitol
Tuesday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The family is asking attendees to wear face and mouth coverings.
“Atlanta’s Servant Leader”
Wednesday, July 29 in Atlanta
Special Ceremony Proceeding the Lying in State
Rotunda, Georgia State Capitol
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Congress Lewis Lies in State
Rotunda, Georgia State Capitol
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
8 p.m. – 8 a.m.
Open to the public. The family is asking attendees to wear face and mouth coverings.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Omega Service
Rotunda, Georgia State Capitol
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
“A Lifetime of Service”
Thursday, July 30 in Atlanta
A Celebration of Life
Ebenezer Baptist Church Horizon Sanctuary
11 a.m.
Interment
South-View Cemetery
To immediately follow Celebration of Life
