“The world has lost a beloved brother in the name of the Honorable John Lewis. John Lewis’ life and legacy was based on the seriousness of now. He knew that America and the world could not wait for freedom, justice or equality. From his early days as a boy from Troy, Alabama, he would leave home to follow in the footsteps of his heroic mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who established the Beloved Community and the importance of the Civil Rights Movement to move America forward. John Lewis never stopped moving America. He never stopped challenging America. And in the United States Congress, no matter what John Lewis fought for, he fought for it with dignity, grace, and fierceness. In his speech at the 1963 March on Washington, he indicated that we wanted freedom, not in drafts, but we wanted it now. Everything that John Lewis did was with a fierceness of now. John Lewis’ legacy for this nation is to embrace all people, no matter who they are and no matter what they are. So, it is important that John Lewis’ message never dies.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
On Saturday, July 18, 2020, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:
“Today, we lost a friend, brother, mentor, and unwavering champion for equality for all – the Honorable John Lewis,” Congressman Al Green stated. “While it was a privilege to work with him in Congress, it was always my matchless honor to get into good trouble with him.”
Green recalls several instances of joining the late Georgia Congressman and Civil Rights icon John Lewis to advocate for much-needed change, saying, “In 2006, Congressman Lewis helped lead a protest at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, D.C., demanding an end to the genocide in Darfur. I was still a neophyte in Congress and eagerly followed his leadership in this fight. He knew the importance of taking a stand on all human rights issues even if it meant being arrested and jailed, which we were. Just seven years later in 2013, Congressman Lewis and I were arrested again as he answered the clarion call for comprehensive immigration reform by protesting resistance to legislation pending in Congress. In 2016 – after the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Congressman Lewis led a sit-in on the House Floor for many hours. I and several of my Democratic colleagues joined Congressman Lewis in this effort, seeking gun reform to prevent another hate-filled mass shooting.”
“When I think of how greatly I will miss Congressman Lewis, these are some of the many moments that occupy my thoughts. I will remember him in the trenches fighting for equality. I will remember him as a constant in the battle against systemic racism and all forms of hate in our country. I will remember him as a fearless leader who made it safe for myself and so many others to stand on the righteous grounds of human and civil rights for all.”
The Houston Congressman concluded by saying, “As long as we stand for righteousness, we’re standing with the Honorable John Lewis. Rest in peace, dear brother.”
I met Congressman John Lewis in 2013, while attending a Black Caucus of the American Library Association conference. I had written a book about my stepfather who was a labor activists during the 1960s. My book had been submitted for an BCALA Literary award and I had a table promoting the book. One of the BCALA Literary judges, John Page, brought Congressman Lewis over to meet me. John Lewis picked up my book and while scanning the historical pictures, he came to my father's picture, he said "Oh I knew Dudley". I knew my father had participated in protest and known a few civil rights activist but this surprised me. The congressman continued talking to me telling me stories about some of the historical pictures in the book. He talked about his wife who had been a librarian and had passed away maybe a year before. Eventually, he asked me to autograph a book for him. I was in awe and so elated that he even wanted my book. Mr. Page, who introduced me to the congressman, asked me to stand and take a picture, which I did, even though I didn't think I was prepared to be in a picture with the congressman. Mr. Lewis said "I want to show the book", which he did. Mr. Page later sent me the picture. After that first introduction I saw the congressman a few more times at conferences. I was amazed that every time I saw him he remembered me and was so kind and humble. I am grateful to have met him.
In 2014 the Northwest Houston Center Library hosted a Black History program promoting the Congressman and his co-author, Andrew Aydin's new graphic novel The March.
Elizabeth Jean Brumfield, Distance Services Librarian
Tonight, our nation has lost a civil rights hero and fighter for justice. John Lewis was a strong warrior who remained in the ring bringing truth to power for those who needed it the most. As he stood for many, now is the time for us to carry on his legacy. Rest in power.
In 2019, Lewis was named Grand Marshal of the City during the Black Heritage Society MLK Day Parade and honored for his decades of civil service.
"Rep. Lewis was a warrior in the fight for civil rights. He was an honorable man who exuded grace and dignity while he fought passionately for racial equality and justice for all," Turner said in a statement. "During his service and leadership in the U.S. Congress, Rep. Lewis was a champion for uplifting people and advocated for affordable housing, fair pay, education, voting rights and so much more.
Mayor, Sylvester Turner
Congressman Lewis was an exceptional person, always humble and concerned about the plight of the black community. His spirit was amazing.
Richard Chappell
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