Jackson Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Congressman John Lewis, 2020
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026
1. Congressman John Lewis, 2020 Marker
Congressman John Lewis was an activist and lawmaker from Georgia who dedicated his life to advancing democracy and equal representation for all. A major leader in the Civil Rights Movement, his story helped inspire a young Barack Obama to become a community organizer. Lewis's life stands as a testament to the power of ordinary people to come together and remake this country.
Erected 2026 by Barack Obama Presidential Center.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #44 Barack Obama series list.
Location. 41° 47.144′ N, 87° 35.165′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Jackson Park. It is on South Stony Island Avenue near East 60th Street. The marker is on the sign for John Lewis Plaza at the Barack Obama Presidential Center. Touch for map. Marker is at
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Chicago’s South Side. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Martin Puryear, b. 1941 (within shouting distance of this marker); You Are America (within shouting distance of this marker); Acknowledging Indigenous Peoples' Land and Territory (within shouting distance of this marker); Julie Mehretu, b. 1970 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First Automobile Race in America (about 400 feet away); Alison Saar, b. 1956 (about 500 feet away); History of Jackson Park (about 500 feet away); Remembering Lori Healey (1959-2025) (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Also see . . .
1. Obama Center: John Lewis Plaza.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026
2. John Lewis Plaza at the Obama Center
2. Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation. This New York Times op-ed by John Lewis was published posthumously, about two weeks after he died on July 17, 2020.
The full paragraph with the quote on this plaque: "Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it."(Submitted on October 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 17, 2026
3. John Lewis Plaza
Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
