Civil rights legend and longtime Georgia Congressman John Lewis has passed away after a 6-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 80-years old.
His family shared the heartbreaking news in a statement.
“It is with inconsolable grief and enduring sadness that we announce the passing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis.” They then added, “He was honored and respected as the conscience of the US 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.”
Many celebrities and loved ones went to social media to share tributes of the beloved congressman, including former President Barack Obama.
Lewis, who is the son of sharecroppers, survived a brutal beating by police during a landmark 1965 march in Selma, Alabama. He then evolved into a towering figure of the civil rights movement.
As Roland Martin stated, we also lost another Civil Rights legend, Rev. Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian. He was 95 and died of natural causes in his Atlanta home.
His daughter shared the news to CNN.
“He was the sweetest man,” Kira Vivian said. “He was so loving. What a loving dad. He was the best father throughout my entire life.”
Vivian participated in the Freedom Rides and worked alongside the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
President Obama posted a tribute for Vivian as well.
