Thank You John Lewis

Recognition of our US Congressman
& former City Council member
John Lewis.

 

Recognition of our 5th District Congressman, the Honorable John Lewis on August 7, 2016 at the 25th Anniversary of the signing of the Settlement Agreement in Dellwood Park, one of the Olmsted Parks saved from destruction by the Presidential Parkway
Presented by long-time friend and former Inman Park neighbor, Ruth Wall:

“With Gratitude & Great Respect, we salute you for your tireless contribution to the protection of our Historic Intown Neighborhoods that were threatened for 10+ years by a Major Highway.

You were there:
1982 - Defying continuous calls from Former Pres. Jimmy Carter for you to support his destructive Highway through our Neighborhoods.

You were there:
1983 - Ga DOT held a public Hearing on the Presidential Parkway and YOU and 3,000+ citizens aggressively condemned “The Road”.

You were there:
1985 - To teach the Roadbusters Proper Civil Disobedience – they chained & climbed trees before they were arrested in Shadyside & Goldsboro Parks. At an Earth Day Rally in Dellwood Park, YOU famously said “This land is OUR Land, Not the Land of Jimmy Carter, Not the Land of Andy Young, Not the Land of Marvin Arrington, This Land is Our Land – the Land of You & Me!!”

You were there:
1986 – With Major tireless support of CAUTION Neighborhoods with many Parties & Fundraisers – You were ELECTED to the U.S. Congress!!

You were there:
1987 – Bringing the U.S. House of Representatives, Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, to the Wall House in Inman Park for a meeting with the Ga DOT Chairman Hal Rives, Atlanta City Council Finance Chair Ira Jackson, and 5th District DOT Board Member Brad Hubbard, to discuss Financial possibilities for a Federal Park in Atlanta.

You were there:
1988 – After Bert Roughton’s AJC front page article: ”DOT Traffic Counts Juggles to Justify Road”, you wrote the FHWA asking for an investigation into allegations that Ga DOT falsified traffic counts to justify proceeding with the Presidential Parkway.

You were there:
1988 – “Victorian Nights; Victorious Days” – During the Democratic Convention in Atlanta, you chose Inman Park to host a party for over 40 of your Congressional Colleagues & Guests. Inman Park closed Elizabeth Street, dressed in Victorian attire and had a parade with bands, a donkey, and horse & carriage. Mint Juleps and hors d’oeuvres were served at the Asa Candler Mansion. This event was covered in USA Today, the Washington Post and a full page spread in the AJC. In addition to members of Congress and the Georgia Legislature, Luminaries attending were Dan Rather, Doug Marlette, CBS Harry Smith & Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes.

You were there:
1991 – You spoke at “Capitol Rally Seeks Dead End for Parkway” (AJC headline) along with Congressman Ben Jones, Mayor Maynard Jackson, Lt Gov Pierre Howard, and many Georgia Senators and Representatives. Over 67 politicians who opposed the ROAD were elected to office between 1982 and 1991!

You were there:
1991 – You attended the Celebration of the Mediated Settlement of the Freedom Park Plan by Ga DOT, the city of Atlanta, and all CAUTION affected Neighborhood Associations.

You were there:
2005 – You attended the Dedication of “The Bridge” at the John Lewis Commemorative Plaza in Freedom Park by world renowned artist Thornton Dial. This statue is a tribute to Congressman John Lewis for Steadfast Commitment through 10 years of battles with the major powers in Atlanta to Save Historic Neighborhoods, Create Parks & STOP THE ROAD!!! As John Lewis has so often said, “Don’t give up! Don’t Give In! Keep the Faith! And Keep Your Eyes on the PRIZE!

Thank you, Congressman John Lewis – We Love You!”
Submitted by Ruth Wall,
August 7, 2016

Share this post:

Comments on "Thank You John Lewis"

Comments 0-5 of 0

Please login to comment