Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park, two years in the making, is officially open.
In a music-filled celebration, Wichita celebrated the completion of the park honoring the life and legacy of a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement.
Each of the six “echoes,” or frames, in the park portrays artistically and in words an important achievement in Lewis’ life:
Desegregation of city pools.
Fighting for economic equality for all by opening employment opportunities for African Americans.
Working to end de facto segregation in Wichita schools and busing.
The Dockum sit-in, the first successful student-led lunch counter sit-in in America
In a time when African-Americans weren’t allowed to rent or buy in certain areas of town, Lewis fought for fair housing for all and against redlining.
The important love Lewis had for his family.
Councilmember Brandon Johnson, who worked closely with the Lewis family to make sure their interests were reflected in the park, said when work began on the park, there were two things everyone on the planning committee wanted to see in the finished product.
“Moving beyond just having a name on a park and to show imagery of Chester Lewis, what he looked like, his family and accomplishments and to have it in a space that would inspire all for generations,” said Johnson addressing those in attendance at the ceremony. “I do believe we achieved that.”
(L-R) Roy Moye III, who sang an inspirational song at the ribbon-cutting ceremony; Brenda Lewis Davis, Chester’s daughter; Galen Vesey, a participant in the Dockum sit-in; and District 1 City Councilmember Brandon Johnson. Credit: Photos by PJ Griekspoor, Elaine Guillory and courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce. 
A large and diverse crowd attended the ribbon cutting. Credit: Photos by PJ Griekspoor, Elaine Guillory and courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce. 
Talented local performers (L-R) Adrienne Degraftenreed, Alexander Ogburn, and Angelica McRae Breathett sang an appropriate selection of songs by Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Credit: Photos by PJ Griekspoor, Elaine Guillory and courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce. 
Artwork in the six frames feature photos of Lewis and the work he accomplished in several distinct areas. The park also serves as an entrance to the new Kansas School of Osteopathic Medicine Credit: Photos by PJ Griekspoor, Elaine Guillory and courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce. 
Credit: Photos by PJ Griekspoor, Elaine Guillory and courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce. 
The amphitheater at the new Chester I Lewis Reflection Park was full for the ribbon cutting event on Sept. 16. (P.J. Griekspoor) Credit: Photos by PJ Griekspoor, Elaine Guillory and courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce.
Johnson had heard about Lewis for decades, and said he knew a little about the local civil rights icon before he helped on the project, “but I had no idea that that brother had done all the things you see in this park.”
He and others said they hope visiting the park will challenge others to stand up and speak up.
Wichita NAACP President Larry Burks, in remarks at the celebration, noted that the park, with an amphitheater at the south end, is a welcoming venue for gatherings and events.
Located at 225. E. Douglas, the park also serves as a welcoming entrance to the new downtown Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine.
