24 Artists Want To Design Decatur's Future John Lewis Memorial

DECATUR, GA — The next step of the process to create a memorial for the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis in Decatur Square is coming to a close soon.

The John Lewis Commemorative Task Force is reviewing proposals from 24 artists from around the world who want to help create the future memorial honoring Lewis' life and legacy, DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson said at Tuesday's commissioners meeting. The task force, led by Johnson and Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett, will announce the artist(s) "soon," Davis Johnson said.

Lewis died in July 2020 at age 80 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, and was one of the "Big Six" leaders of the 1960s civil rights movement. He also represented Georgia in Congress from 1987 until his death. Davis Johnson and Garrett formed the task force in August 2020 to honor Lewis.

The memorial will replace the former Confederate obelisk monument that stood in Decatur Square for more than 100 years, but was removed last June.

"The task force has launched its website and is now accepting donations for this monumental project honoring Congressman Lewis," Davis Johnson said.

Applications opened for artist submissions in early February, and closed in early March. Artist selections should be announced in May, according to the initial timeline for the project.

Anyone who wants to support the commemorative project can visit the John Lewis Tribute website here to make a tax-deductible donation.

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