OnPolitics: Remembering a civil rights icon

Monday, July 27

OnPolitics: A moment to remember Rep. John Lewis

As the nation mourns the death of Rep. John Lewis, here is a look at his life and words.

Rep. John Lewis, who devoted his life to racial justice and equality, died Friday night at 80. He revealed late last year that he was undergoing treatment for Stage IV pancreatic cancer.

Lewis, D-Ga., had served in the House of Representatives since 1987, after decades of work as an organizer and activist - serving as a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, organizing the March on Washington in lockstep with Martin Luther King Jr. and serving in the Atlanta City Council.

His words galvanizing action for multiple generations. To honor his legacy, here are some of his most powerful quotes.

"Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble."

- A tweet from June 2018

"My dear friends: Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union."

- A 2012 speech in Charlotte, North Carolina

More about Lewis and the life he lived

•	Rep. John Lewis dies of cancer at 80
•	His life in service to justice, in 12 images
•	Tributes to Lewis and calls to protect his voting rights legacy
•	Donald Trump says he won't attend John Lewis' memorial services
•	For Lewis, a lifetime of making 'good trouble' left scars and a legacy