
From the Mayor’s Office:
“This week, Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Lewis Ferebee announced a proposal to rename West Elementary School to John Lewis Elementary School, honoring the legacy of the longtime congressman and champion of civil and human rights. Congressman Lewis was a staunch supporter of DC statehood, cosponsoring legislation to make Washington, DC the 51st state every term he was in Congress.
“John Lewis embodied what it meant to be an American hero – dedicating his life, and even sacrificing his body, to the fight for justice, equal rights, and a better America,” said Mayor Bowser. “As we prepare to mark one year since we lost Congressman Lewis, we are proud to honor his legacy by dedicating this school and its beautiful new facility in his name. This name change is an opportunity to inspire our youngest learners, uplift our DC values, and build on the long legacy of a beloved civil rights icon.”
The school is located at 1338 Farragut Street, NW in Ward 4, and a newly constructed building will open at the site this fall. The renaming will require DC Council approval and could go into effect at the start of the upcoming 2021-2022 School Year should the Council introduce and approve legislation. (more…)