passing of Congressman John Lewis. Lewis was more than a politician who served Georgia in the House of Representatives for 33 years, but a paragon of strength, resilience, and honor; a role model for all groups fighting for equality and respect.Growing up in Alabama, Lewis experienced segregation and racism firsthand.
As a teenager, he met Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks, learning their methods of peaceful resistance and steely resolve.
Lewis was one of the original Freedom Riders, a group of individuals working to integrate public transportation who regularly faced violence.