Georgia’s congressman and Civil Rights Icon for six decades, John Lewis has died after battling with pancreatic cancer for a few months.
In December 2019, he got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and he battled with the deadly disease for over seven months. John Lewis was the son of sharecroppers and was born outside of Troy Alabama. He died on Friday at aged 80.
“54 years ago today, we were beaten, tear gassed, trampled by horses, and left bloody on that bridge in Selma. But we cannot rest. We cannot become weary. We must those who gave their lives for the right to vote. We must continue to find a way to get in the way,” John Lewis remembered his bloody fight in Selma. He was a protege of late Martin Luther King Jr.
Lots of public figures are taking to their social media platforms to write tribute to him;
” Dear congressman.
You’re loved.
You’re respected.
You’re magnificent.
Lifting you in prayer, peace and the power of your ancestors this day. May God continue to bless you in all the ways you’ve blessed us, sir,” Ava DuVernay wrote.
“John Lewis passing feels like a gut punch, but hearing Andrew Young talk about the life he lived and the things he did for everyone… How kind he was – we were fortunate he was here. And it’s amazing, with all his rebellion, that he survived,” Quinta Brunson wrote.
“March is an essential graphic novel depicting the Civil Movement told through John Lewis’ perspective. If you haven’t read it, do so and honor his memory,” Ira Madison lll wrote.
“Young man, you have to get in the way, make change, make good trouble!” Are the words John Lewis spoke to me as a 21 year city council. They have struck with me ever siincy. His life and leadership are examples to emulate. RIP to the G.O.A.T,” Michael Tubbs wrote.
“Rest. In. Paradise John Lewis. Thank you,”
LeBron James wrote.
“Rest In Peace Reo. John Lewis. You are a true American hero,” Matthew A. Cherry
wrote.
“Terrible terrible news. Just heard that John Lewis has passed away this evening. Our heroes. All our heroes. May we live lives that are worthy of what they gave to us.
Rest in Power Brother Lewis. You gave us all such good trouble,” Phillip Atiba Goff wrote.
“Still one of the most powerful photos of modern day America.
Every person of colour is indebted to you for fighting for our Civil Rights.
Thank you @repjohnlewis. Rest well,” OvieO wrote.
“John Lewis was an extraordinary man. He gave this world so much.
We were so lucky to share the earth with him,” Clint Smith Hill wrote.
“RIP John Lewis, 80.
Civil Rights Icon, 17-term US congressman, and a great American.
He walked his talk:
If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it,” Piers Morgan wrote.
“John Lewis was a giant.
A civil rights legend.
A leader in the halls of Congress.
And a moral voice for the whole nation.
Having the opportunity to serve with him was one of the great honors of my life,” Ilhan Omar wrote.
“John Lewis was gentle and strong and kind. His message was justice, and his voice was powerful. May his memory be eternal,” Justin Amash wrote.
