Gerald A. Griggs is an Atlanta attorney who was sworn in on March 13, 2013. president the Georgia NAACP State Conference with overwhelming Marge. Sixteen months later, he bbecame president of the Atlanta NAACP. He writes about our precious right to vote and why now is the time to exercise and protect it. — The editors
As I stood in front of the newly unveiled statue of John Lewis in downtown Decatur, I couldn’t help but think of the immense legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the fight for civil rights, and most importantly, the right to vote. This statue is not only a tribute to Lewis’ extraordinary life; it is also a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight to protect voting rights in Georgia, a fight that has become increasingly urgent in recent years.
As president of the Georgia and Atlanta NAACP, I know the shoulders I stand on. John was not only an American hero, my mentor, but also a friend. As I reflect on this moment, I cannot help but emphasize the direct connection between the statue of John Lewis and the current struggles for voting rights in Georgia. Lewis’ life was a testament to the belief that the right to vote is the foundation of all other rights. It was a right he risked his life for on the Edmund Pettus Bridge and defended with every fiber of his being until his final day.
Today, however, voting rights in Georgia are under threat. Recent legislative initiatives have made it increasingly difficult for many Georgians, particularly voters of color, older voters, and young voters, to exercise their most basic democratic right. These initiatives, which include stricter voter ID laws, restrictions on mail-in voting, challenges to voting eligibility, misinformation about voter fraud, and restrictions on early voting opportunities, are not just administrative tweaks—they are targeted attempts to suppress the voices of those who have been historically marginalized.
My deep thoughts on the statue unveiling serve as a powerful call to action for me. To truly honor John Lewis, we must commit to protecting and expanding voting rights in Georgia. That means fighting against any effort that would undermine the ability of every Georgia citizen to make their voice heard. It also means committing to the hard work of educating voters, ensuring access to the ballot, and holding elected officials accountable for protecting this most sacred right.
John Lewis once said, “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society.” As we stand in the shadow of his statue, let us remember that these words are not just a reflection of the past, but a mandate for the future. The fight for voting rights in Georgia is far from over, and it is up to each of us to continue the work John Lewis started. We must ensure that every eligible voter in Georgia can vote without obstruction, intimidation, or fear. This is how we truly honor John Lewis’ legacy—and how we protect the future of our democracy. Let’s make John proud by using our immense power to shape the next chapter of history.
