John Robert Lewis (February 21, 1940 – July 17, 2020) remains an enduring figure in American history, celebrated for his pivotal role as a politician and civil rights activist.
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Serving in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia’s 5th congressional district from 1987 until his passing in 2020, Lewis left an indelible mark on the nation’s pursuit of justice and equality.
This article delves into the life and remarkable journey of John Lewis, chronicling his early years, contributions to the civil rights movement, political career, and enduring legacy.
John Lewis Wiki & Biography
Name | John Robert Lewis |
Nickname | John |
Date Of Birth | February 21, 1940 |
Age | 80 years (At the time of death) |
Birth Place | Troy, Alabama, United States |
Gender | Male |
Profession | Politician |
Debut | Not Known |
Famous For | American Politician |
Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
Nationality | American |
Religion | Not Known |
John Lewis’s Net Worth
Salary | Not Known |
Net Worth | USD $1 Million approx |
Height, Weight, and Color
Height in cm | 167 cm |
Height in Meters | 1.67 m |
Height in Feet Inches | 5 feet 6 inches |
Weight | 75 kg
165 lbs |
Body Type | Slim |
Body Measurement | 44-34-12 inches |
Waist Size | 34 inches |
Shoe Size | 9 US |
Eye Colour | Black |
Hair Colour | Blad |
John Lewis’s Family and Relatives
Father | Eddie Lewis |
Mother | Willie Mae Carter |
Brothers | Adolph Lewis, Grant Lewis, Sammy Lewis, Freddie Lewis, Edward Lewis, William Lewis |
Sisters | Ethel Lewis, Ora Lewis, Rosa Lewis |
Boyfriends / Girlfriends | Not Known |
Marital Status | Married |
Partner | Lillian Miles (m. 1968-2012) |
Sons | John-Miles Lewis |
Daughters | Not Known |
John Lewis’s Education School and Colleges
Education Qualification | Graduated |
School | High School |
College & University | Fisk UniversityAmerican Baptist College |
Favorite Things Of John Lewis Politician
Favorite Colour | Black |
Favorite Actor | Not Known |
Favorite Actress | Not Known |
Favorite Food | Not Known |
Favorite TV Shows | Not Known |
Favorite Movie | Not Known |
Favorite Pets | Not Known |
Hobbies | Reading Books |
Favorite Destination | New York |
Interesting Facts About John Lewis
- Born on February 21, 1940, near Troy, Alabama, John Lewis grew up in rural Pike County. His parents, Willie Mae and Eddie Lewis, were sharecroppers, and Lewis was the third of ten children. Raised amidst segregation, Lewis experienced racism early in life, recalling that, as a teenager, he and his siblings were denied access to the public library due to their race. These experiences fueled his determination to challenge injustice and inequality.
- Lewis’s aspirations of becoming a preacher were evident from a young age. He delivered his first public sermon at 15 and was deeply inspired by the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and evangelist Billy Graham. Despite facing adversity, including being denied admission to Troy University due to his race, Lewis pursued higher education at the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee, and later graduated from Fisk University.
- Lewis emerged as a prominent activist during the civil rights movement. As a student, he played a pivotal role in organizing sit-ins at segregated lunch counters in Nashville, which contributed to the desegregation of the city’s downtown. He was a dedicated member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and became its chairman in 1963.
- In 1965, Lewis led the historic Selma to Montgomery marches, advocating for voting rights. The brutal events of “Bloody Sunday” on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where Lewis and fellow marchers were attacked by state troopers, spotlighted the urgency of the civil rights cause. Lewis suffered a fractured skull during this violent confrontation, but his commitment to justice remained unwavering.
- Lewis’s transition to politics began with his move to New York City in 1966. He held various positions, including associate director of the Field Foundation, and later returned to Atlanta to direct the Southern Regional Council’s Community Organization Project. In 1970, he became the director of the Voter Education Project (VEP), contributing significantly to minority voter registration.
- His political journey continued with a successful run for the Atlanta City Council in 1981. Lewis’s perseverance and commitment were evident in his later bids for the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite challenges, he was elected in 1986, representing Georgia’s 5th congressional district. Lewis was reelected 18 times and became a respected figure in the Democratic Party.
- John Lewis’s legacy extends beyond his political achievements. His commitment to nonviolent activism and civil rights inspired generations. Lewis received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and a statue in his honor was erected in Atlanta.
- Lewis’s impact on education, commemorated by the renaming of schools and colleges in his honor, reflects his belief in the power of knowledge and equality. His involvement in the graphic novel trilogy “March” and other literary works aimed to educate and inspire future leaders.
- In his final days, Lewis continued to advocate for justice and equality. Diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in December 2019, he remained resolute in his commitment to public service. Lewis’s passing on July 17, 2020, marked the end of an era, as he was the last surviving member of the “Big Six” civil rights leaders.
- Tributes poured in from across the globe, acknowledging Lewis’s immense contributions. Public ceremonies, beginning in his hometown of Troy, Alabama, and concluding with his lying in state at the United States Capitol Rotunda, honored his life. Presidents, dignitaries, and citizens alike paid homage to Lewis’s enduring legacy.
John Lewis’s Social Media Handles
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