He was often called the Lion of Civil Rights.
“One of the greatest heroes of American history,” according to Nancy Pelosi, Congressman John Lewis, passed away late Friday.
“All of us were humbled to call Congressman Lewis a colleague, and are heartbroken by his passing,” the Speaker said in announcing his death. “May his memory be an inspiration that moves us all to, in the face of injustice, make ‘good trouble, necessary trouble.’”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Lewis was “a pioneering civil rights leader who put his life on the line to fight racism, promote equal rights, and bring our nation into greater alignment with its founding principles.”
President Trump said he was saddened to hear of Lewis’ death, and praised him as a “giant” who “changed America forever.”
Lewis has often been referred to as a lion of the civil rights movement. His bloody beating by Alabama state troopers in 1965 helped galvanize the movement toward racial desegregation.
Former President Barack Obama said, “He loved this country so much that he risked his life and its blood so that it might live up to its potential. Early on, he embraced the principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as the means to bring about real change in this country.”
Lewis’ wife of 40 years predeceased him. They had one son, John Miles Lewis.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the son of John Lewis and his extended family as they grieve the loss of Congressman Lewis.
- For many across the nation whose lives have been touched by the bravery and resolve of Mr. Lewis.
Sources: USA Today, Newsmax
