The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current, July 23, 2020, Image 1

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Newspaper Page TextThe CHAMPION The official legal organ of DeKalb County, EA. Sen/ing East Atlanta, Amhale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwook Lithonia, Pine Lake, Tucker, Stonecrest and Stone Mountain. 50$ JULY 23 - 29, 2020 www.THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.com VOL 30 • NO. 4 Renowned Congressman John Lewis dies amid election; replacement nominee named BY ASIA ASHLEY Asia@dekalbchamp.com U .S Civil Rights leaders and Congressman John Lewis died July 17 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Lewis’ congressional district —District 5—includes parts of DeKalb County—the westernmost parts of Decatur and some areas south of Decatur. Lewis was running for his 18 th term in the U.S. House of Representatives to be decided in the Nov. 3 election. Lewis also participated in many protests and marches to end racial segregation and discrimination. “I am saddened at the loss of the legendary Congressman John Lewis. John breathed hope and life into people and ideas that to many seemed hopeless,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond in a statement. “His transition during this time of civil unrest and a global shift in the demand for social justice is symbolic and a message to us all. Let his death be the ultimate passing of the torch that we all must carry toward a just, fair, and more perfect union. A true man of the people. We are all better for having known him. Rest well, my friend.” In 2015, the DeKalb County Board of Education voted to name a new school for Lewis, the John Robert Lewis Elementary School, which opened to students and staff in August 2019. The school is reportedly the first public school in the country to be named after Lewis. SEE LEWIS ON PAGE 6 Juneteenth approved as paid holiday for DeKalb County employees BY ASIA ASHLEY Asia@dekalbchamp.com Juneteenth, or June 19, will now be one of 11 paid holidays for DeKalb County employees. DeKalb County commissioners approved the resolution July 14. Though not a recognized national holiday, Juneteenth is celebrated by many African Americans as it commemorates June 19, 1865, the date when slaves in Texas were notified of the end of slavery in the United States, resulting in celebration. The move by county officials comes after nationwide protests against racism and publicized killings of African Americans by White Americans. “Recent events have led to broad-based opposition to racism, discrimination, and senseless acts of violence such that the Governing Authority finds it is important to now honestly confront our sordid past and combat racism with acknowledgement of the often neglected, but important history of these issues,” states the resolution, which was sponsored by Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson. Fulton County, New York City and some companies— including Best Buy, Nike and Target—in recent weeks have reportedly named Juneteenth a holiday for its employees. JUNETEENTH 64116 00001 Church holding drive-thru back-to-school giveaway Voters encouraged to vote early to avoid potential election day woes PAGE 3 PAGE 7

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The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current, July 23, 2020, Image 1