RICHMOND, Va. -- A mural that honors the late John Lewis, a civil rights icon and U.S. congressman, was dedicated Wednesday at the Powhatan Community Center on Northampton Street in Richmond.
Lewis died in July at the age of 80 following a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
The nonprofit group Advocates for Change raised money to create the mural.
Josh Zarambo painted the mural that would "unite the community during a period of social unrest," according to a statement from the City of Richmond.
"This stands as a reminder to us all to continue to work collaboratively and collectively to improve the life and life circumstances for all and to never give up, to never give in," Dr. Cynthia Newbille, City of Richmond Council President (7th District), said at the mural unveiling ceremony.
In addition to the mural, the city planned to make improvements to the nearby park and community center.
Lewis represented Georgia as a Congressman for more than 30 years, winning 17 elections.
He also fought for Civil Rights for Black people in the 1960s, originally gaining notoriety as one of the 13 original "Freedom Riders."
