Remembering John Lewis

     Genteel in manner and determined in spirit, John Lewis quietly helped unshackle the nation from the scourge of segregation. He was born in Alabama in 1940, the son of sharecroppers. And just as his parents worked relentlessly to grow the crops that would feed a hungry nation, John Lewis worked steadfastly to grow the spirit that would heal a divided nation. He was named chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in 1963 and spoke at the March on Washington when he was 23-years-old.  He led the march in Selma, Alabama that became known as “Bloody Sunday.” He was arrested more than 20 times and was injured. In 1986, he was elected to Congress, where he represented his district for more than 30 years. He was known as the “conscience of Congress.”

         John Lewis bore the scars of struggle, but he was less battle-weary than battle-wise. His goals were concrete. While he worked to tirelessly to inspire the spirit that would change hearts and minds, his main focus was to implement the laws that would change lives. His life was a slow and deliberate march for justice, and his legacy was the legislation that ensures equal rights for all. @repjohnlewis #johnlewis #civilrights #obama #houseofrepresentatives #congress #blackhistory #civilrightsmovement #protest #mlkday #blacklivesmatter #martinlutherkingjr #racism #ihaveadream