Blunt Rochester Statement on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis
Washington,
July 18, 2020
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Andrew Donnelly
(302-893-4406)
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman & civil rights icon John Lewis.
“50 years after he addressed the march on Washington, Congressman John Lewis returned to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with our nation’s first African American President to address and inspire a new generation of Americans. As Congressman Lewis enraptured the crowd with his captivating presence, he spoke of how far we had come in those 50 years, and how much further we had left to go. He spoke about racial justice, mass incarceration, immigration, homelessness, poverty, hunger, and voting rights. And as he finished his remarks, he proclaimed, ‘We must never ever give up. We must never ever give in. We must keep the faith and keep our eyes on the prize.’
For his entire life and career, John Lewis never gave up. He never gave in. He kept the faith and kept his eyes on the prize. He marched and he organized - inspired and legislated. He got into good trouble - lots of good trouble. He was respected and revered by his colleagues from both sides of the aisle. When John Lewis spoke, we listened. In the Congressional Black Caucus - known as the conscience of the Congress - we looked to John as our conscience.
And for as incredible a public figure as he was, one of life’s greatest gifts was getting to know the man himself. While quiet and unassuming, he was always there with a kind word and a helping hand. I will forever treasure the quiet moments we spent together, always feeling uplifted, and inspired for having been with him.
John has left his earthly form now - returning home to be with his creator and with his dear love, Lillian. But his message and his gifts will stay with us forever. Because in life, John’s presence was like a torch of justice, drawing you in, giving you warmth, and lighting the way. And while John is gone now, that light will continue to burn bright & eternal. John Lewis was indeed the leader of so many of this nation’s battles for righteousness - battles that are not over. And so now it is our responsibility to take up that mantle - to never give up, to never give in, and to keep the faith. It is our job to keep our eyes on the prize - and so we will - led by John’s light, and led by his love.” ###
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