Principal of school named after John Lewis to start program for community service in his honor

ATLANTA — In honor of the public service and life of Rep. John Lewis, the academy named after the civil rights giant will host a new program to better serve the community.

The school’s principal told Channel 2′s Audrey Washington that the program is just one way to continue Lewis’ legacy.

Ramon Garner said part of his job is to make sure his students understand who John Lewis was and the sacrifices he made.

“I do think about that a whole lot each and every day,” Garner said.

Garner told Washington that he will never forget the moment he met Lewis.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Police: Mother intentionally hit car killing 3-month-old daughter, injuring child’s father
• Victims attacked by kids selling water on Atlanta streets want them gone as mayor works for solution
• City says governor exceeded his power in order to stop mask mandate

“I was able to walk up to him and just say thank you to him,” Garner said.

The John Lewis Invictus Academy in northwest Atlanta opened in August 2017.

During that opening, Washington interviewed Lewis, who wasted no time stressing the importance of education.

“Education is the key. It is the great equalizer. Had not been for education, I would be where I am today,” Lewis said.

“I think the biggest thing we can do to honor his legacy is to be as tenacious and passionate as he was about educating our students,” Garner said.

The principal said he plans to continue the work of the civil rights legend through both education and community service.

“We will be launching the John R. Lewis service center to do just that — remove barriers for our students. We want this center to service our families and community if they need food, clothing, mental health counseling,” Garner said.

He believes helping those in need is what the congressman would have wanted to happen inside the very building that bears his name.

“Just be passionate about what we’re doing on a day-to-day basis. When I think of Congressman Lewis, that’s what I think about. I think about passion — that never-quit attitude,” Garner said.

The principal said he, his staff and students plan to watch the funeral services that will happen right here in the city of Atlanta.

Hundreds stop by John Lewis casket at U.S Capitol on final day The Georgia congressman's remains will return to Atlanta on Wednesday.

Cox Media Group