Freedom Parkway, which connects Downtown to Ponce de Leon Avenue, has been officially renamed “John Lewis Freedom Parkway” in honor of the Civil Rights icon and the U. S. congressman from the Fifth Congressional District.
A dedication ceremony was held Wednesday at the intersection of Ponce and the parkway that now bears Lewis’ name.
“I am very deeply moved that the City of Atlanta would choose to honor me in this way,” Lewis said. “I am more than lucky but very blessed that the people of the Fifth District have allowed me to represent and serve them for more than 30 years. It has been a real love affair. I have loved them, and I know I am fortunate that they have loved me back in return. I think about so many from the movement who also deserve this kind of honor. Too many are gone. I am just glad I am here to witness all of this. I thank Councilman Andre Dickens for sponsoring this legislation, City Council Chair Felicia Moore for her leadership and the Atlanta City Council for making this a reality.”