The John R. Lewis Legacy Institute (JRL) announced that its inaugural gala, themed "The Legacy Continues," will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Georgia, from 6-10 p.m. The event will be hosted by award-winning anchor Jennifer Bellamy of 11Alive and will honor individuals who embody the highest values of Congressman John R. Lewis and represent his legacy of leadership.

Themed "The Legacy Continues," the event will bring together business and community leaders from Troy, Alabama, to Atlanta, Georgia, in celebration and memory of Congressman John R. Lewis. Feb. 21 will mark the 83rd birthday of the civil rights icon and longtime Georgia Congressman, who for over six decades was recognized as a man who courageously fought for racial equity and justice in America.

2023 Honorees Include:

Arthur Blank, Owner, Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United; Chairman, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation; Co-founder, Home Depot

Rodney Bullard, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University

Renee Montgomery, Co-owner, WNBA's Atlanta Dream

Jason Reeves, Mayor of Troy, Alabama

Lisa Smith, Senior Vice President of Region External Affairs and Community Engagement, Georgia Power

The yearly gala will reprioritize and underscore the Congressman's work and life, through the institute. "We are honored to celebrate a Georgia icon and man who uncompromisingly served humanity and was recognized as a pillar of leadership and equality. More importantly, we remain committed to continuing his work," shares Henry Lewis, Congressman Lewis' youngest brother.

Jerrick Lewis, Executive Director of the John R. Lewis Legacy Institute, continues, "From his humble beginnings in Troy, Alabama, to the halls of Congress, to the streets of Atlanta as Georgia's 5th Congressional District Representative, Congressman Lewis touched so many lives. He dedicated his life to addressing the most critical issues affecting our nation. We are furthering that legacy by continuing the work and championing the most pressing issues in our community and most important to Congressman Lewis including, voting rights/voting reform, access to health care for all and cancer awareness, to name a few."