On July 17, Rep. John Lewis died at age 80. He announced a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in December. The civil rights leader and “conscience of Congress’s” body laid in state at the U.S. Capitol building July 27 and 28.
Mr. Lewis was a man of great strength. Back in segregation times, it was very hard for Black people to get around in the city. Just because of their skin color.
Mr. Lewis made a great speech at the March on Washington. “We are tired of being beaten by policemen,” Lewis said that day in 1963. “We’re tired of seeing our people locked up in jail over and over again. And then you holler ‘be patient.’ How long can we be patient? We want our freedom, and we want it now!”
Less than two years later he was abused and beaten by police, cracking his skull with a billy club for seeking full voting representation. For the cause, for freedom.
We still have lots of things to do for justice for Black people.
We need our reparations. Spread Love.
— Anthony Carney, Artist/Vendor
History in the making, they just don’t make people like John Lewis anymore. Rubbing elbows with Jesse Jackson, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Ralph Abernathy, Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr. sure is a reason to have a purpose. These brothers’ and sisters’ blood, sweat and tears are evident that we are all created equal. Justice for one is Justice for all. Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.
Keep up the work, family. God Bless.
— Marcus Green, Artist/Vendor
Congressman John Lewis should be remembered as a man who did things for everyday people, equal opportunity, brotherhood, and true peace. He was arrested at least 45 times for standing up for what he knew was right. He led protestors to march and demonstrate in the streets, and after MLK was killed, he took his work to Congress, where he served for more than 30 years. I wish blessings to his family on the mourning of his loss.
— Jemel Fleming, Artist/Vendor
