A titan
Congressman John Lewis spent his life fighting racism and injustice wherever he confronted it, from boycotts, sit-ins, and other protests in the streets, to championing bold, progressive policies in Congress. #ripjohnlewis pic.twitter.com/Sj3joYHWni
— The Black Caucus (@TheBlackCaucus) July 18, 2020
.@RepJohnLewis was a titan of the civil rights movement whose goodness, faith and bravery transformed our nation. Every day of his life was dedicated to bringing freedom and justice to all. pic.twitter.com/xMbfAUhLUv
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 18, 2020
Not many of us get to live to see our own legacy play out in such a meaningful, remarkable way. John Lewis did:https://t.co/KbVfYt5CeQ
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 18, 2020
I think that photo is from the inauguration. I watched the whole thing – first and last time I’ve ever done that. That moment in particular…well, you know.
As a young organizer in politics, John Lewis was an icon. He was among the first Freedom Riders at 21 years old risking his life to desegregate public transportation, was a leader in organizing his generation for Civil Rights, & spoke at the 1963 March at 23 years old pic.twitter.com/SSMCCbVmI0
— Atima Omara (@atima_omara) July 18, 2020
John Lewis’s impact extended far beyond America’s shores. His example inspired civil rights activists in Northern Ireland where, six years ago, he joined another remarkable John crossing the Peace Bridge in Derry. His legacy on our island is a great one. He will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/3L9Z1OeXmT
— Embassy of Ireland, USA (@IrelandEmbUSA) July 18, 2020
Thank you for it all, Congressman John Lewis. You will be remembered beyond all of the tomorrows. Another one of our Great Men has left us. God’s covering to you and your loved ones. #RestInPeaceJohnLewis pic.twitter.com/QJXHs2p8NN
— Kasim Reed (@KasimReed) July 18, 2020
This was the news with which my husband greeted me when I woke up this morning. Needless to say, it is a bad way to start the day.
He will be missed.
Wow, right on the heels of CT Vivian. A great loss.
One thing I learned about him today was that in the 1990s, he was one of a relatively small number of Congresspeople who opposed the Defense of Marriage Act. (Basically all Republicans voted for, and I think a little over half of the Democrats. Bernie Sanders, to his credit, was another no vote.) Lewis was also one of the few members of the Black Congressional Caucus to oppose it. And even most of the Democrats who voted no did so on some wishy-washy, “well I don’t approve of gay marriage but we don’t need this legislation” grounds — Lewis gave a powerful speech specifically saying that gay marriage should be legal, and linking it to the civil rights movement he was such an important part of.
That’s leadership.
Huh. I didn’t know that either.
What a towering figure. What an inspiration. We are lucky to have lived when he did.