Biography of John Lewis

Born in Troy, Alabama, John Robert Lewis grew up to become one of the bravest voices for justice in American history. As a young man he joined the civil rights movement, chairing the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and speaking at the 1963 March on Washington alongside Dr. King. On “Bloody Sunday” in Selma he marched at the front, suffering a fractured skull yet never retreating from the path of peace. Elected to Congress in 1986, he served Georgia’s 5th District for 33 years with the same moral clarity, championing voting rights, healthcare, and equality until his passing on July 17, 2020. Known as the “conscience of the Congress,” John urged everyone to get into “good trouble, necessary trouble.” His courage continues to light the way toward a more just tomorrow.