John Lewis

John Lewis

Name	John Lewis
Birth name
Birth date	February 21, 1940
Birth place	Troy, Alabama, U.S.
Death date	July 17, 2020
Death place	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Alma mater
Occupation	Politician, Civil Rights Leader
Years active
Organization
Known for	Civil Rights Movement, U.S. House of Representatives
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

John Robert Lewis (February 21, 1940 – July 17, 2020) was an American politician and civil rights leader who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia's 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020. He was a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement and played a key role in the struggle for racial equality in the United States.

Early Life and Education

John Lewis was born in Troy, Alabama, to a family of sharecroppers. He was inspired by the activism surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the words of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., which led him to become involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Lewis attended the American Baptist Theological Seminary and later graduated from Fisk University, where he was a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Civil Rights Activism

Lewis was one of the "Big Six" leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., James Farmer, A. Philip Randolph, Roy Wilkins, and Whitney Young. He was a key organizer of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, where he was the youngest speaker.

In 1965, Lewis led over 600 marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in a demonstration for voting rights. The marchers were met with violent resistance from state troopers in an event that became known as "Bloody Sunday." The brutality of the event was broadcast nationwide and helped galvanize support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Political Career

In 1986, Lewis was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Georgia's 5th congressional district. He was re-elected 16 times, serving until his death in 2020. As a congressman, Lewis was known for his advocacy for human rights, civil liberties, and healthcare reform. He was often referred to as "the conscience of the Congress."

Legacy

John Lewis's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to nonviolent activism and his lifelong dedication to the fight for justice and equality. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. His life and work continue to inspire new generations of activists and leaders.

Also see

• Civil Rights Movement
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Voting Rights Act of 1965
• March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
• Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee