Rep. Fudge Statement on the Passing of Congressman John R. Lewis

Statement

Rep. Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement regarding the passing of Congressman John R. Lewis:

"We have lost one of our country's great moral leaders, a stalwart advocate for freedom and justice, a life-long champion for civil, human and voting rights, "the conscience of Congress,' the man who taught us to get in "Good Trouble' to effect change, my friend and colleague, Congressman John R. Lewis.

"A native son of Alabama, born in a time of segregated schools and "whites only' drinking fountains, Congressman Lewis experienced the evils of racism and discrimination firsthand. At an early age, he made the bold and courageous decision to become a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, fighting alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Congressman Lewis was a giant of a man and he stood when others would shrink and cower. From organizing sit-in demonstrations at lunch counters to participating in Freedom Rides, he repeatedly risked his life to enable us to enjoy the freedoms we too often take for granted. He taught us to turn despair into action, to band together, to demonstrate, to sit in, to stand up, to vote and to never stop fighting because when your cause is just, it is the right thing to do.

"Congressman Lewis served the people of Georgia's 5th Congressional District with steadfast resilience and unwavering dedication for over 30 years. Congressman Lewis was awarded the medal of freedom by President Barack Obama, and the impact of his life's work will remain in the annals of history as a template for the continued pursuit of social justice and equal rights.

"Congressman Lewis marched from the segregated streets of the deep south to "that bridge in Selma' where he "gave a little blood.' And he marched through the halls of Congress where he fought to rid our nation of racism, push for lasting equality, end poverty and hunger, eradicate gun violence, establish the first national African American museum in Washington, and ensure every person has unfettered access to the ballot box.

"Congressman Lewis was a fighter who gave hope to the hopeless and a voice to the voiceless. As we march onward today, we reflect on his words instructing us to "get out there and push, and stand up, and speak out, and get in the way [of racism, oppression and injustice] the same way my generation got in the way. Get in trouble. Good trouble. Necessary trouble.'

"John was victorious in life and in death and has moved from labor to reward. It was my privilege and my pleasure to call him a colleague and friend. He will be missed. Rest in Power."

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