Remembering John Lewis
Joint statement from Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey July 20, 2020
John Lewis. (Public Domain).
On a day that the nation remembers the 51st anniversary of the history-making steps of Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, we are inspired remembering the life of John Lewis – a true American civil rights pioneer and icon.
The passing of John Lewis on Friday (July 17) reminds us of the power of human will and courage, of a man who gave of himself in a lifelong quest to push America to realize its true potential and promise.
Inspired at a young age by the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the work and teachings of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis risked his life by challenging Jim Crow segregation in the South, and became a national voice for civil rights, and was a guiding leader and speaker at the March on Washington in August 1963. With another civil rights leader, Hosea Williams, he led peaceful protesters across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama where he had his skull fractured by a policeman and further risked his life for demonstrating the need for voting rights.
John Lewis led by example and gave us all something to reach for – for the betterment of our nation and for mankind.
Thank you, John, for letting us stand on your shoulders as we carry on, fighting for justice, fairness and equal treatment during this important time in our history.
Thank you and may you rest in power.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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