Former President Barack Obama eulogized civil rights leader John Lewis’s sacrifice and unwavering quest for justice in a post after the lawmaker’s death.
Obama wrote in a Saturday Medium post that Lewis, an original Freedom Rider, former chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and long-time Georgia congressman worked throughout his life to “speak out for what’s right, to challenge an unjust status quo, and to imagine a better world.” Obama said Lewis “not only assumed that responsibility, he made it his life’s work.”
“He loved this country so much that he risked his life and his blood so that it might live up to its promise. And through the decades, he not only gave all of himself to the cause of freedom and justice, but inspired generations that followed to try to live up to his example,” the former president said about Lewis, who died Friday at the age of 80.
Obama said that despite Lewis’s myriad achievements, what stood out to him was the congressman’s gentleness and humility.
“In so many ways, John’s life was exceptional. But he never believed that what he did was more than any citizen of this country might do,” Obama said. “He believed that in all of us, there exists the capacity for great courage, a longing to do what’s right, a willingness to love all people, and to extend to them their God-given rights to dignity and respect.
He added: “And it’s because he saw the best in all of us that he will continue, even in his passing, to serve as a beacon in that long journey towards a more perfect union.”
The former president mentioned that the last time he and Lewis shared a public forum was a virtual event with activists following the death of George Floyd. Obama said it was a “fitting” last venue and said Lewis “could not have been prouder” by the activists assuming the civil rights mantle.
“Not many of us get to live to see our own legacy play out in such a meaningful, remarkable way. John Lewis did. And thanks to him, we now all have our marching orders — to keep believing in the possibility of remaking this country we love until it lives up to its full promise,” Obama said.
Lewis died Friday after he was diagnosed him with stage 4 pancreatic cancer late last year. President Trump has not yet spoken about the death of the civil rights leader, who voted for his impeachment earlier this year. Trump still had not addressed the death prior to a Saturday morning trip to one of his golf clubs.
The flag at the White House was lowered to half-staff on Saturday. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany also posted a statement on Twitter about Lewis.
“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,” she said.
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
