Over the weekend, the world lost a legend. Representative, John Lewis – a monumental figure in the civil rights movement and a U.S. congressman passed away.
CNN has reported that Lewis lost his life after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
The legendary public figure passed away at 80-years-old. In an official statement to CNN, Lewis’ family said, “It is with inconsolable grief and enduring sadness that we announce the passing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis.”
They added, “He was honored and respected as the conscience of the U.S. Congress and an icon of American history, but we knew him as a loving father and brother.” Lewis was the last surviving speaker from the 1963 March on Washington. He delivered an unforgettable speech and joined The Freedom Riders at this historical event.
Lewis was a colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and promoted and participated in peaceful protests during the Civil Rights Movement during the ’60s. He even served as the U.S. representative for Georgia’s 5th Congressional District for over three decades.
Stars such as Ava DuVernay and Rihanna took it to social media to honor the Civil Rights icon.
Thank you my brother. Thank you! 🙏🏿 Rest easy John Lewis. pic.twitter.com/B6CQCOQbwT
— Rihanna (@rihanna) July 18, 2020
From the private video stash. A glimpse of Congressman Lewis in the Oval. During our SELMA visit. Back when the White House was occupied by sane people who believed in justice and dignity. Grateful that the Congressman saw the dream of a Black President realized in his lifetime. pic.twitter.com/NvFaLTMvNJ
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) 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
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