Tributes poured in from Alabama elected officials following the Friday death of U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), who was born and grew up in Pike County.
“Our country has lost one of its most beloved Civil Rights leaders,” Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL) said in a tweet. “I join my fellow Alabamians & the nation in mourning the death of Rep. John Lewis. He dedicated his life to serving his community & advocating for others. We’ll forever remember his heroism & his enduring legacy.”
U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) shared a picture of he and his wife along with Lewis in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.
“Louise and I are heartbroken. Rev. C. T. Vivian passing earlier today and now our dear friend John Lewis,” Sen. Jones said. “So much to say, but that will have to wait. For the moment I am so sad and simply have no words.”
My heart breaks on the passing of my dear friend and mentor @repjohnlewis but my spirit soars for an angel walked among us and we were all touched by his greatness! He forever changed Selma and this nation. May we finish his life’s work and restore the VRA! #ripjohnlewis pic.twitter.com/p2DU5blwrE
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) July 18, 2020
“Reflecting on Bloody Sunday during his last speech on the Selma bridge in March, John said, ‘Our country is a better country… But we have still a distance to travel to go before we get there.’ Never give up. Never give in. Keep the faith. For John and our nation he so loved,” U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) tweeted.
U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02) said in a tweet, “John Lewis was truly a great American hero, who dedicated his entire life to the pursuit of equal justice for all. His legacy will live on forever, & our world is certainly better because of his courage. He has been an inspiration to countless individuals & will be missed by all.”
John Lewis, a son of Alabama, became the conscience of America. He was a good friend who never failed to inspire, and I miss him already. pic.twitter.com/7cozUsTEdY
— Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) July 18, 2020
“From the Edmund Pettus Bridge and Freedom Rides to the lunch counter sit-ins, Congressman John Lewis proved himself unafraid to stand up for a just cause. As a foot-soldier and leader in the Civil Rights Movement, he helped change us for the better,” Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth (R-AL) tweeted.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Rest in Peace. https://t.co/6Z5HvsianL
— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) July 18, 2020
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) said in a tweet, “I‘m saddened by the passing of my friend & colleague John Lewis. He was a kind, gentle man who often reminded me that, though he represented the 5th district of GA, he was born & raised near Troy, AL. Ann & I will be praying for God’s comfort and peace to cover his family.”
Alabama’s Republican U.S. senatorial nominee Tommy Tuberville also reacted to Lewis’ death on social media.
“Congressman John Lewis was a civil rights icon who understood the power of peaceful protest to bring about social change,” Tuberville said. “He dedicated his life toward working to fulfill Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of a colorblind society that allows each person to excel as far as their God-given talents can take them. He served his nation, his district, and humankind well. Godspeed, Congressman Lewis.”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
