John Robert Lewis, the son of sharecroppers who survived a brutal beating by police during a landmark 1965 march in Selma, Alabama, to become a towering figure of the civil rights movement and a longtime US congressman, has died after a six-month battle with cancer. He was 80.
"It is with inconsolable grief and enduring sadness that we announce the passing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis," the statement from his family said. "He was honored and respected as the conscience of the U.S. Congress and an icon of American history, but we knew him as a loving father and brother. He was a stalwart champion in the on-going struggle to demand respect for the dignity and worth of every human being. He dedicated his entire life to non-violent activism and was an outspoken advocate in the struggle for equal justice in America. He will be deeply missed."
Lewis was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Mr. Obama in 2011. He wrote a graphic novel, "March," about his life and the civil rights movement in 2013. Its sequel, "Run," was published in 2018. He was also the subject of a documentary called "Good Trouble," which was released in June.
Lewis was married to his wife, Lillian, for nearly 50 years before her death in 2012. Together they had one son, John-Miles.
Lewis was married to his wife, Lillian, for nearly 50 years before her death in 2012. Together they had one son, John-Miles.
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