The Life and Legacy of John Lewis

Born to sharecroppers near Troy, Alabama, on February 21, 1940, John Lewis was drawn to the Civil Rights Movement as a young boy after hearing the powerful words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the radio. This spark ignited a lifelong commitment to justice. By age 23, Lewis had become one of the youngest and most passionate leaders of the movement, helping to organize the historic 1963 March on Washington. As chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), he fought on the front lines of the struggle, leading sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and voter registration drives. His courage was put on full display during the Selma to Montgomery marches, where he was brutally beaten on "Bloody Sunday," yet remained steadfast in his commitment to nonviolence.

Lewis’s legacy extended far beyond the 1960s. As a U.S. Congressman for Georgia’s 5th District from 1986 until his death in 2020, he carried the torch of civil rights into the halls of government. In Congress, he championed the rights of the marginalized, fought to protect voting rights, and mentored new generations of activists. His leadership roles in the House of Representatives, along with countless honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, reflect the profound respect he earned through decades of unwavering service.

Even in his final chapter, battling pancreatic cancer, Lewis remained a symbol of courage, determination, and hope. He reminded the nation to "keep the faith" and to never stop working toward a more just society. His voice, actions, and moral clarity continue to inspire people around the world to fight for equity, dignity, and human rights. As John Lewis once declared, “We want our freedom and we want it now”—a call that still echoes powerfully today.

Congressman John Lewis receiving the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama