Congressman John Lewis – “Culture For Service and Service For Humanity”
Congressman John Lewis died on July 17, 2020 having served 33 years as representative for the state of Georgia’s 5th congressional district, and he was laid to rest on July 30, 2020. His legacy and service will not be forgotten. Called the lion of the civil rights movement, John Lewis was the last survivor of the Big Six of the civil rights movement, John Lewis, Martin Luther King Jr., James Farmer, A. Phillip Randolph, Roy Wilkins, and Whitney Young were all men of valor.
It’s no wonder he garnered the moniker “lion” in the civil rights movement. Lions are known for being part of a pride, hunters, protectors, brave, and willing to fight. He was all of the above and then some. Even as he battled pancreatic cancer he was still fighting for his pride.
Lions are part of a group that is called a pride, and the lion protects his community, hunts and provides for his community. As a young lion, Congressman Lewis knew that he had a calling on his life and heeded the call. The civil rights movement was a movement to end racial discrimination and to gain equal rights under the law. Although the movement was started by black Americans in 1955, its impact was far more reaching than the black community as it was referred to at the beginning of the movement. Mr. Lewis moved with grace, dignity, and poise as he participated in sit-ins at lunch counters, flaming bus rides, and crossing tumultuous bridges. Mr. Lewis did all of that and more. He was a fighter and fighters never quit, fighters fight until the death. He did that too.
Historically, there have been a lot of sellouts in Washington, D.C., but Congressman Lewis was not one of them. A sellout betrays his or her personal cause or associates for personal gain. He never wavered on his mission despite the heat, heartaches, and hits. He stood strong and he held the baton tightly as he championed for not only a people, but the people. He ran his race with absolute resolve until his end. He was no sellout, but he souled-out.
The race continues and Congressman Lewis has blazed a trail for others to follow. Start where you can, latch hold to the baton and run through the finish line. There will be a lot of troubles along the way, but look for the “good trouble.” “March on, March on, ye mighty host, nor think the journey done.”
Best regards,
Clifton Campbell
Executive Director