A legendary Civil Rights Icon turned prominent progressive Democrat has died after a rumor had been widely circulated earlier in the week, falsely, that he had passed.
Rep. John Lewis, as the Trump administration has confirmed, has died. Lewis represented Georgia’s 5th District in the US House of Representatives at the time of his death.
Rep. John Lewis was an icon of the civil rights movement, and he leaves an enduring legacy that will never be forgotten. We hold his family in our prayers, as we remember Rep. John Lewis’ incredible contributions to our country.
— Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) July 18, 2020
Lewis was a bold fighter for Civil Rights and is remembered by Republicans, who supported the Civil Rights Act, and Democrats, who opposed him at the time, as a strong advocate for equality.
59 years ago today I was released from Parchman Farm Penitentiary after being arrested in Jackson, MS for using a so-called "white" restroom during the Freedom Rides of 1961. pic.twitter.com/OUfgeaNDOm
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) July 7, 2020
Vernon Robinson, son of a Tuskeegee Airman and himself an Air Force Veteran, is a prominent Black Conservative, whose body of work includes a PAC, Black Americans to Re-Elect The President, and who is co-author of Coming Home: How Black Americans Will Re-Elect Trump, wrote about the death of Democrat Lewis on his Facebook page.
“Whatever policies John Lewis supported later in life, and I opposed most of them, as a young man he was absolutely fearless and was brutally beaten as a freedom rider. DITTO for Ms. Mumpower.
As a teenager, she rode on the freedom rider bus and was imprisoned in Parchment Prison, a very dangerous place.
John Kennedy tried to stop the freedom ride bus trips south. He sent a staff member to tell the young people please don’t do the rides, someone will get killed.
The response of John Lewis, Joan Mumpower, Diane Nash and the others was “we know someone will be killed, that’s why we wrote out our wills,” Robinson wrote.
Whatever policies John Lewis supported later in life, and I opposed most of them, as a young man he was absolutely…
Posted by Vernon Robinson on Saturday, July 18, 2020
Lewis was remembered fondly by many Republicans, Conservatives and Democrats online:
Our deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Rep. John Lewis, long-time civil rights activist and congressman, who passed away yesterday. https://t.co/7jEspOozfo
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) July 18, 2020
Congressman John Lewis was a Civil Rights hero, freedom fighter, devoted public servant, and beloved Georgian who changed our world in a profound way. The Kemp Family is praying for his loved ones as they honor his life & mourn his passing. #RIPJohnLewis https://t.co/PnbhMCTHz9
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) July 18, 2020
Kari is an ex-Community Organizer who writes about Voter Engagement, Cultural Marxism and Campaigns. She has been a grassroots volunteer with the GOP, on and off for 18 years. She is a Homeschool Mom in North Carolina and loves Photojournalism and Citizen Journalism. @Saorsa1776
