ATLANTA – State Representative J. Craig Gordon (D-Savannah), along with 16 other members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, will serve as escorts during the funeral for U.S. Congressman John Lewis tomorrow, Thursday, July 30 at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Additionally, Rep. Gordon today announced that he, along with State Senator Lester Jackson (D-Savannah), will pre-file legislation to rename the Talmadge Bridge in Savannah after the late Congressman Lewis.
“The late Congressman John Lewis was the epitome of an American patriot and a hero who tirelessly fought for the freedom of all people living in our country,” said Rep. Gordon. “Congressman Lewis leaves a legacy of divinely inspired, nonviolent social change, and I am honored to join other Black men and women as we remember the life and legacy we should all aspire to leave behind someday.”
Talmadge Bridge is located bridge over the Savannah River between downtown Savannah and Hutchinson Island (US 17/SR 404) in Chatham County, and it would be renamed as the “John Lewis Freedom Bridge.” If the proposed legislation is enacted during the 2021 legislative session, Rep. Gordon and Sen. Jackson plan to personally pay for all costs associated with new signage for the bridge renaming, which is estimated at $500.
“It is only fitting that this remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized by dedicating one of the largest bridges in this state in his memory,” said Rep. Gordon. “Renaming Talmadge Bridge after Congressman Lewis would ensure that our state never forgets his efforts in desegregating interstate travel and his lifetime of work of being a bridge builder across our nation.”
Representative J. Craig Gordon represents the citizens of District 163, which includes portions of Chatham County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2006 and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Health & Human Services, Retirement and Special Rules committees.
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