John Wesley Dobbs “Through His Eyes” Far left: Martin Luther King Jr. Statue stands outside the Georgia State Capitol
INSPIRED BY THEIR Gather inspiration from three Atlanta civil rights heroes who have passed away in 2020. Then, in their memory, visit our list of civil rights sculptures, murals and art installations around the city. BY LIESL MERKEL
Atlanta was a cultural center for the American civil rights movement, thanks in part to the Sweet Auburn district where activists gathered to generate ideas and to, as civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis said, “get in good trouble.” In 2020, Atlanta lost three heroes of the movement. Rev. Joseph Lowery passed away in March, then Rev. C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis both passed on July 17, 2020.
WHO WERE THESE HEROES?
Rev. Joseph Lowery helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) with Martin Luther King Jr. and others, serving as its president (19771997). Rev. Lowery also created the Black Leadership Forum and was called the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement” for his presence in many of the major movement activities including the Selma to Montgomery march of 1965 and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Rev. C.T. Vivian helped found the Nashville Christian Leadership Conference, organized the first sit-ins in Nashville, and participated in the Freedom Rides. He
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worked beside Martin Luther King Jr. as the national director of affiliates for the SCLC and also conceived and directed civil rights organizations including Vision, which awarded scholarships to 702 Alabama students, and the National Anti-Klan Network, which later became the Center for Democratic Renewal. Congressman John Lewis served as the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (1963-1966) and helped organize the 1963 March on Washington. He led the first march from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery in what became known as Bloody Sunday where Lewis and the marchers were attacked by police. The incident ultimately led to the 1965 Voting Rights Act. His leadership continued as he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 until his death, representing the 5th congressional district of Georgia which includes most of Atlanta. As we remember these revolutionaries, we also look to where we can celebrate their legacy and carry on their mission of equality, freedom and hope. Take a quiet moment to visit these installations. View, learn, and plan for the future.
“HERO”
IN THEIR MEMORY AND HONOR “HERO”
Corner of Auburn Avenue and Jesse Hill Jr. Drive Artist: Sean Schwab This tribute to Congressman John Lewis features a quote from Lewis’ speech at The March on Washington.
Martin Luther King Jr. Statue
Georgia State Capitol Artist: Martin Dawe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is an icon of the American civil rights movement and an alumnus of both Atlanta’s Booker T. Washington High School and Morehouse College.
Andrew Young Statue
Corner of Andrew Young International Boulevard and Spring Street Artist: John Paul Harris A civil rights activist and protégé of Dr. King, Andrew Young became mayor of Atlanta and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Jimmy Carter.
PHOTOS: SCOTT WHITE
FOOTSTEPS
