The voices we will miss: John Lewis
American civil rights leader and politician.
John Lewis (1940–2020), one of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement, was the longest-serving U.S. Representative from Georgia.
He led what we can truly call a ‘great American life.’ He was a champion in the ongoing struggle to demand respect for the dignity and worth of every human being. His life’s work was dedicated to non-violent activism and advocacy in the struggle for equal justice in America.
Here are some notable facts about Mr. Lewis:
01 / During what was supposed to be a peaceful March across the Edmund Pettis bridge from Selma to Montgomery, Lewis was severely beaten. His injuries, which included a fractured skull, would be some that stay with him his whole life.
02 / He was the only civil rights leader to go on to a career in national politics. He served as Senior Deputy Whip and on the Ways and Means Committee. He was successful in sponsoring a bill establishing the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
03 / He was the first member of Congress to write a graphic novel. The novel series called ‘March’, tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement through his own experiences. Lewis’ graphic novel was the first to win a National Book Award.
Lewis’s impact and contributions to our society are too vast to count. But, he will be forever remembered for giving a voice to the voiceless. His actions remind all of us how the most nonviolent tool is our right to vote. John Lewis is a legend and an American icon.
