STOW, Ohio — The city of Stow officially renamed the Steels Corner Bridge after Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights activist who later became a Democratic congressman in Georgia. 

The bridge was dedicated on the one-year anniversary of Lewis’ death. Lewis died on July 17, 2020, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 

Stow City Council voted unanimously in September 2020 to rename the bridge after Lewis. 

As part of the festivities on Saturday, the city held a march across the bridge in Lewis’ honor. 

“John Lewis was a tremendous man, and this dedication of The John Lewis Memorial Bridge is one way we can honor his legacy as a staunch supporter of equality and The city of Stow’s commitment to support diversity,” said Stow Mayor John Pribonic.

Saturday’s march and bridge dedication was one of three events being held this summer to promote Stow’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative. The next event will be Sept. 26 as the city will rename the Silver Springs Lodge after former Stow resident Leona Farris.

The city said funds raised at these events go toward the initiative’s scholarship program.