300 Trees To Be Planted In Honor Of John Lewis

ATLANTA — A plan to start a living tree memorial in tribute to John Lewis needs volunteers to plant the first phase for the late Civil Rights icon’s birthday next month.

The Freedom Park Conservancy, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Trees Atlanta are partnering to plant 300 blooming trees in honor of the U.S. congressman who died in July.

A three-day planting project is planned from Feb. 19 through the 21, which would have been Lewis’ 81st birthday, and a bevy of early-blooming trees and flowering plants that can take root in late winter months. The commemorative garden will be planted in John Lewis Plaza, a space in the park dedicated to celebrating his legacy. The budding project -- part of a five-year plan called the “Flowering Forest” -- is timed to also recognize Black History Month.

“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,” Freedom Park Conservancy Chair Harriett Lane said Wednesday in a statement. “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.”

When the Flowering Forest is complete, it will extend with hundreds of blooming trees along John Lewis Freedom Parkway to Boulevard linking John Lewis Plaza, the Carter Center and the King Center.

“This February’s planting will create a natural annual blooming event that celebrates a great man who represented Atlanta for nearly four decades,” Tree Atlanta Co-Executive Director Greg Levine said. “Our tree tribute will continue growing for generations to honor his impact on social justice.”

Mostly trees native to Georgia will be featured in the selection to be planted, including redbuds, magnolias, yellowwoods, buckeyes, dogwoods and fringe trees. More importantly, Calinda Lee, the Head of Programs and Exhibitions for Center for Civil and Human Rights, said the roots that will grow from this project will mirror the legacy that has grown from Lewis’ history.

“Congressman Lewis sowed seeds of hope and equity. His life’s work was an undaunted fight for civil and human rights -- without prejudice or exception,” Lee said. “The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is honored to join this partnership to celebrate John L. Lewis’s legacy and to serve as a tangible reminder of the beauty that can grow from a commitment to stay in good trouble. We look forward to sharing the Congressman’s story to inspire the changemaker in each of us.”

For more information, go to https://www.treesatlanta.org/johnlewis.