Atlanta pays tribute to the late Congressman John Lewis, with a forest in memory of his trailblazing career in politics.
A park in central Atlanta will be home to hundreds of new trees, as the city pays tribute to the recently lost John Lewis. The Congressman fulfilled many key roles in the civil rights movement and its actions to end legalized racial segregation in the United States.
The Freedom Park Conservancy announced that the park will plant 300 new trees to colorfully paint the public space every February. With species specifically chosen for John Lewis’ birthday to be in full bloom.
The trees will be planted by volunteers this month, so if you’re interested in being a part of this project then make sure you secure your space.
Although the project will take a few years to complete, a field of daffodils and vibrant flowering shrubs have also been confirmed to brighten up Freedom Park in special tribute to one of Atlanta’s many pioneers.
The park conservancy said, “The desire to honor John Lewis’ life and legacy inspired the Freedom Park Conservancy, Trees Atlanta, and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights to bring together their commitments to community stewardship, urban tree cover, and civic storytelling.”
“Freedom Park has an important legacy in the areas of art, activism and nature, and this tree installation will honor John Lewis and allow us to reinforce his legacy for future generations. Today John Lewis Plaza within Freedom Park is anchored by the The Bridge, a work of sculptor Thornton Dial, which represents Congressman Lewis’ lifelong quest for the advancement of civil and human rights,” said Harriett Lane, from the conservancy.
There have been gorgeous tributes to Lewis put all over Atlanta, including mind-blowing street art and the ‘Earth Mural’ placed in Freedom Park in January.
Featured Image:Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash