Representative John Lewis. (Source: WTOC) By WSFA Staff | May 7, 2021 at 1:03 PM CDT - Updated May 7 at 10:55 PM
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - The Alabama legislature passed a bill Thursday to name a portion of U.S. Highway 80, from Selma to Montgomery, after the late civil rights icon and congressman, John R. Lewis.
According to HJR 100, sponsored by Rep. Prince Chestnut (D- District 67), the historic length of highway will be named “The John R. Lewis Memorial 10 Highway.” After Gov. Kay Ivey adds her signature to the bill, signs, and markers will acknowledge the highway’s name distinction.
“Congratulations and thank you to Representative Chestnut, the Alabama Legislature and the thousands of Americans who joined the John Lewis Bridge Project for their work, dedication and activism,” Michael Starr Hopkins, Founder of the John Lewis Bridge Project said. “When we started the John Lewis Bridge Project, just under a year ago, the response was incredible and humbling.
Alabama Legislature passes effort to rename bridge after late Rep. John Lewis
By FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Published article
SELMA, Ala. - The effort to rename the Edmund Pettus Bridge to honor the late Rep. John Lewis passed the Alabama Legislature.
HRJ 100, Naming A Portion of Alabama Highway 8 (U.S. Highway 80) From Selma to Montgomery The John R. Lewis Memorial 10 Highway sponsored by State Rep. Price Chestnut, was passed.
The site is where the late congressman led a peaceful protest across the bridge before being attacked on Sunday, March 7, 1965, a day that has become known as Bloody Sunday.
Michael Starr Hopkins, Founder of the John Lewis Bridge Project, released the following statement: