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Stars and Political Leaders Honor Late Civil Rights Icon John Lewis: “Rest in Glory”
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Getty / Alex Wong
Celebrities and political figures are remembering the legacy of Rep. John Lewis after he died at age 80 on July 17. The civil rights leader, who was battling stage four pancreatic cancer, had served as the representative for Georgia’s 5th Congressional District since 1987 and he played a pivotal role in the 1963 March on Washington alongside Martin Luther King Jr. He also helped introduce the 2019 Voter Empowerment Act, which supports equal ballot access for seniors, students, low-income Americans, military members, people with disabilities, and those whose first language is not English. Recently, he commended Black Lives Matter demonstrators for fighting against racial injustice. “It gives me hope that as a nation and as a people, we’re going to get there,” he said. “We’re going to make it.” Ahead, read some of the most powerful tributes to the social justice icon.
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Getty / Alex Wong
Barack Obama
Barack, who awarded John with the Medal of Freedom in 2011, wrote on Instagram: “Not many of us get to live to see our own legacy play out in such a meaningful, remarkable way. John Lewis did. And thanks to him, we now all have our marching orders – to keep believing in the possibility of remaking this country we love until it lives up to its full promise.”
Getty / Scott J. Ferrell
Rev. Jesse Jackson
Jesse praised John’s legacy in an Instagram post, writing: “Reflections on @repjohnlewis … We met as fellow protestors in 1960. Two weeks ago, John agreed to co-chair this year’s voter registration drive. He was the gift that kept on giving. This has been a difficult season. First, Rev Dr. Joseph Lowery, Dr. King’s Chairman of SCLC’s Board for 27 years, and now we have lost Rev. CT Vivian and John Lewis, on the same day. In the 1960’s, we broke out of the bubble of segregation. John became the valedictorian of our class. John Lewis is what patriotism and courage look like. He sacrificed and personifies a New Testament prophet. Andrew Young and I prayed for John Lewis & CT Vivian on Thursday as we convened those who I went to jail with in 1960. Good Night, I will see you in the morning.”
Getty / Alex Wong
Nancy Pelosi
The Speaker of the House honored John on Instagram, writing: “@RepJohnLewis was a titan of the civil rights movement whose goodness, faith and bravery transformed our nation. Every day of his life was dedicated to bringing freedom and justice to all. His memory moves us all to, in the face of injustice, make ‘good trouble, necessary trouble.’ May it be a comfort to his son John-Miles & his entire family that so many mourn their loss at this sad time.”
Nancy shared another Instagram tribute, adding: “@repjohnlewis: hero, champion & challenge to conscience of the nation. Your visit with the newest voices for justice at the Black Lives Matter mural with @mayor_bowser was wonderful & iconic. Thank you for that final public statement in furtherance of a more perfect union.”
Getty / Amy Sussman
Tyra Banks
In a series of Instagram posts, Tyra paid her respects on July 20.
“Mr. John Lewis, Words are not enough for the incredible life and legacy of John Lewis… He spent more than a career, but a LIFETIME fighting for equal rights for everyone, and did so with such optimism, positivity and determination in the darkest of times. His legacy will live on in the progress that MUST be made… A priceless contribution you have made to us, Sir. You will live and love forever through all of our progress. We shall make you proud. 💛,” she wrote in one post.
In another post, she added, “Mr. John Lewis, Your legacy will live so strongly. Our adults of tomorrow will know your name and say it with pride.”
Tyra concluded her tribute, writing, “Mr. John Lewis, Four years ago in Atlanta, I had the pleasure to spend the day trying to make the world a better place with one of your comic book creatives, @andrewaydin. Andrew spoke of you with such beauty, it touched my heart and I felt your goodness was in the room with us that day. Now, your power will ALWAYS be within us, showing us with hard work, focus and resilience what is possible. I salute you and your legacy. 💛”