ATLANTA — MARTA and the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation are honoring late Civil Rights icon and MARTA advocate Congressman John Lewis with a special bus unveiling and voter registration drive.
The event, which will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, at College Park Station, commemorates Lewis' legacy in public transportation and voters’ rights.
“As part of our yearlong celebration of Black history, we want to recognize the profound contributions of Congressman Lewis, who championed public transit and MARTA and fought for voters’ rights his entire life,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “MARTA history is Black history.”
Lewis, known for his work as one of the original Freedom Riders fighting to desegregate the interstate bus system, was a staunch advocate for MARTA and public transit throughout his career. On the agency’s 30th anniversary, Lewis praised MARTA’s influence on Atlanta’s growth, stating, “MARTA is a shining example of what can be done. We wouldn’t be the capital of the American South if we hadn’t had MARTA.”
The custom “John Lewis Bus,” featuring images and quotes from the late congressman, will serve communities Lewis represented during his tenure in Congress. Detria Everson, president and CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, highlighted the importance of this tribute, saying, “Congressman Lewis was inspired by the work of Rosa Parks and others to integrate transit systems across the country. He would be proud to know that a MARTA bus with his pictures and quotes was serving constituents he represented in Congress.”
Following the bus unveiling, a voter registration drive will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. as part of National Voter Registration Month. The Fulton and Clayton County Offices of Registration & Elections will conduct on-site registration and provide voter education. Attendees are encouraged to bring a photo ID.
The “John Lewis Bus” is the latest in a series of buses honoring Civil Rights leaders. Previous buses have commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, and future buses are planned to honor Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, Evelyn Gibson Lowery, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
Event details:
- When: Thursday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m. (program begins at 2:30 p.m.)
- Where: College Park Station, 3800 Main St., Atlanta, Ga. 30337
- How to get there: Take the Red or Gold Line south to College Park Station. Parking is available.