Mark your calendars for August 24 as Decatur Square prepares to embrace a new era of commemoration, bidding farewell to its Confederate past. A statue honoring the late Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, sculpted by Atlanta artist Basil Watson, is poised to be unveiled at the historic square—replacing the Confederate obelisk removed in 2020.
Watson, who boasts a 40-year career gracing spaces with his sculptures, including a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, was selected by the John Lewis Commemorative Task Force to bring this memorial to life. In a conversation recounted by Decaturish, Watson reminisces about his brief encounter with Lewis some 16 years ago at an art fair—a meeting that left an indelible imprint on the artist, inspiring a bust of Lewis crafted in 2020.
The memorial's journey began with an idea and the formation of the John Lewis Commemorative Task Force in August 2020, spearheaded by Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson and Decatur City Mayor Patti Garrett. The task force's efforts culminated in handing over the artwork to DeKalb County Government after raising more than $700,000 for the monument. According to the same Decaturish report, CEO Michael Thurmond praised Lewis's dedication to 'good trouble', affirming that the statue will memorialize a man who fought tirelessly for justice and equality.
As the date of the unveiling draws near, further details on the ceremony will be provided. The public's anticipation for this significant event is palpable, echoing Commissioner Davis Johnson's words to Decaturish: "John was a giant of a man with a humble heart." The event is not merely a monument's revelation but a gesture honoring a life that embodied the relentless pursuit of a righteous cause.
For those interested in learning more about the event and the project, the task force has set up a website at www.johnlewistribute.com.
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