WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Members of North Carolina's Congressional delegation reacted to Friday's death of civil rights icon, Congressman John Lewis.
Senator Thom Tillis: "John Lewis was a titan who fought for justice and equality for all. His legacy as a civil rights leader will continue to have a profound impact on our nation for generations to come. Susan and I send our deepest condolences to his family."
Congresswoman Alma Adams: "America has lost its greatest living hero. Everything John Lewis did was in the service of Justice. It was an honor to make “good trouble” with John in the House, and I will miss my friend. My prayers are with his family and every seeker of justice who mourns him today."
Congressman Mark Walker: "John Lewis crossed bridges to bring us together. May we forever honor his legacy by never letting the forces of division, hatred and evil tear down the bridges that so many have sacrificed to build. John, you were a friend and a role model – to us all."
Congressman G.K . Butterfield: "Courage, conviction, the Conscience of Congress–Congressman John Lewis was an American hero who epitomized the true spirit of the Civil Rights Movement. From the streets of Selma to the Halls of Congress, an original Freedom Rider and a forever freedom fighter, John Lewis dedicated his life to the cause of justice and equality and will always be remembered for his humility and strength. His fervent passion and fearless conviction will forever be a reminder to never be afraid of getting into ‘good trouble’ for a good cause. John R. Lewis was a dear friend, and he will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He now belongs to the ages."
Congressman Ted Budd: "Rest In Peace, John Lewis. May God Bless his memory and may we all remember his heroism in the pursuit of justice."
Congressman Richard Hudson: "Renee and I offer prayers to the family of Congressman John Lewis following his passing. His legacy and public service to the people of Georgia and our country will not be forgotten."
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx: "Very saddened to hear about the passing of my colleague John Lewis. May God provide his family with counsel and strength during this time. We will never forget his passion and spirit in his pursuit of justice."
Congressman David Price: "Lisa and I are deeply saddened to learn that Congressman John Lewis has died. We have valued his friendship since he and I came to the House together after the 1986 elections. Congressman John Lewis’ remarkable life -- rising from the Jim Crow South to courageous leadership in the Civil Rights movement to his service in the halls of Congress -- is a uniquely American story, as he often said. But his love of our country was expressed in his lifelong determination that it redeem its failures and live up to its democratic promise. His moral clarity in the face of injustice harnessed the power of everyday people to demand equality in the eyes of the law, a fair chance at a better life, and inclusion in the 'beloved community.' John had a special passion for voting and voting rights — fighting to restore the full power of the Voting Rights Act and arousing voters with reminders of the price that has been paid for their rights. As a senior Ways and Means Committee member, he was a force behind more accessible health care. But John used his position to interpret and educate as well as to legislate. He led the Faith and Politics pilgrimage every year to the bridge at Selma and other civil rights sites. Many times I have seen him interrupt whatever he was doing to greet a school group with a word of inspiration or to answer a visitor’s question. John’s greatness, in other words, consisted not only in his courage and determination as a young man on that bridge, but in a lifetime spent telling the story of the movement and calling our country and all of us to our better selves. His personal combination of humility, a prophetic faith, dogged determination, and conviction of the value and potential of every human being was, in my experience, absolutely unique. His death leaves a huge void, but his memory compels us to carry forward his vision and the struggles it requires."
Senator Richard Burr: "Throughout his life, John Lewis was a fighter. Standing alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington and in Selma, John was considered one of the Big Six Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. He was unwavering in his fight for equality and worked tirelessly to ensure that America’s God-given freedoms are enjoyed by all. I had the honor of working with John on the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act. On civil rights issues and many others, he served Georgians with devotion and passion for nearly 35 years. Brooke and I are keeping the Lewis family in our prayers as we mourn John’s passing."
Congressman George Holding: "Lucy and I were saddened to learn about the passing of John Lewis this morning. His legacy will live on. Our prayers are with his family."
