John Lewis Then and Now

John Lewis Then

John Lewis, born on February 21, 1940, in Troy, Alabama, emerged from humble beginnings as the third of ten children in a sharecropping family. 

His parents, Willie Mae and Eddie Lewis, worked tirelessly in rural Pike County, where they faced the harsh realities of poverty and segregation. 

This early environment profoundly shaped Lewis’s worldview and sense of justice. 

His great-grandfather, Frank Carter, a former slave, lived until Lewis was seven, providing a direct link to the painful history of slavery and the systemic oppression that still lingered in the South during Lewis’ childhood.

From a young age, Lewis was imbued with a desire to preach and inspire others. 

His unique early experiences—such as preaching to his family’s chickens at the tender age of five—reflect both his childhood aspirations and the deep-rooted influence of his faith. 

Living in a predominantly black community, his exposure to white people was minimal, with Lewis recalling that he had only seen two white individuals by the time he was six. 

This limited interaction, coupled with a lack of educational resources at home, instilled in him a profound appreciation for learning. 

He attended Rosenwald School, a vital educational institution supported by the local community, which played a crucial role in his early development.

Lewis’ journey toward activism began to take shape through his experiences with racism and segregation, especially as he ventured into Troy. 

In a poignant memory from 1956, he recounted the painful rejection he faced when trying to obtain a library card, which was designated “for whites only.” 

Such encounters fueled his awareness of the stark contrast between life in the South and the more integrated societies he learned about from relatives in the North. 

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A formative trip to Buffalo, New York, at the age of 11 starkly contrasted with his life in Troy, highlighting the injustices faced by African Americans in the South.

The pivotal moment for Lewis came in 1955 when he first heard the voice of Martin Luther King Jr. on the radio. 

Inspired by King’s leadership during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Lewis began to envision a future dedicated to civil rights activism. 

At 15, he delivered his first public sermon, marking the beginning of his journey as both a minister and an activist. 

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Meeting Rosa Parks and King solidified his commitment to the movement, as he drew inspiration from their bravery and determination.

Faced with discrimination when applying to Troy University, Lewis reached out to King, who offered guidance and support. 

This interaction not only demonstrated the mentorship Lewis received but also underscored the risks associated with challenging the status quo in a racially divided society. 

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Ultimately, Lewis chose to further his education at a historically black college in Tennessee, where he graduated from the American Baptist Theological Seminary and earned a degree in religion and philosophy from Fisk University. 

His academic pursuits and ordination as a Baptist minister equipped him with the theological foundation and moral imperative to fight for justice and equality throughout his life. 

As a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Lewis also forged connections with like-minded individuals who shared his vision for social change, setting the stage for his remarkable legacy as a civil rights leader.

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John Lewis’ Political Career

John Lewis’ political career is a continuation of his lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice, reflecting the same passion and determination that characterized his activism in the 1960s. 

In 1963, Lewis was elected chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a position he held until 1966. 

Under his leadership, SNCC began to shift toward a more militant approach, a transformation that Lewis embraced but later navigated carefully as he sought broader coalitions within the civil rights movement. 

His prominent role during this period, especially his involvement in the March on Washington, positioned him among the “Big Six” leaders of the civil rights movement alongside figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and A. Philip Randolph. 

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In 1964, he spearheaded the SNCC’s efforts during Freedom Summer, which focused on registering African American voters in Mississippi—a critical endeavor in the struggle for civil rights.

A defining moment in Lewis’ activism came on March 7, 1965, during the Selma to Montgomery marches. As one of the key leaders, he and fellow activist Hosea Williams led a march advocating for voting rights. 

The brutal response they encountered from law enforcement—dubbed “Bloody Sunday”—was broadcast nationwide, galvanizing public opinion and increasing support for civil rights legislation. Lewis’ injuries from the confrontation did not deter him; instead, they fueled his resolve. 

The widespread outrage from the events of Bloody Sunday significantly contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark achievement in American history that aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans.

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Following his tenure with SNCC, Lewis continued to advocate for civil rights as the director of the Voter Education Project, furthering his efforts to empower African American voters. 

In 1977, he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to lead ACTION, a federal volunteer agency that encompassed several important programs, including the Peace Corps. 

Lewis’ transition into elected office began in 1981 when he became an Atlanta city councilman, and in 1986, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Georgia’s 5th congressional district for over three decades. 

His time in Congress was marked by his steadfast dedication to social justice, healthcare reform, and education, among other progressive causes.

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In 2008, Lewis endorsed Barack Obama during the latter’s presidential campaign, reflecting his belief in the importance of change and hope in American politics. 

Throughout his career, Lewis received numerous accolades for his contributions to civil rights, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize, the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. 

His legacy is further immortalized in his memoirs and the critically acclaimed March graphic novel trilogy, which recounts his experiences during the civil rights movement.

In his later years, Lewis remained active in contemporary political issues, notably leading a sit-in in 2016 to demand gun control legislation following the tragic Orlando nightclub shooting. 

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This act of civil disobedience echoed his early activism, demonstrating that his commitment to justice and equality remained unwavering. 

In 2020, he endorsed Joe Biden for president, emphasizing the need for a woman of color as a running mate, highlighting his belief in representation and inclusivity. 

Lewis’ political career exemplified a lifelong dedication to activism, a commitment to justice, and a deep understanding of the ongoing struggle for civil rights in America. 

His impact is felt not just in legislation but also in the hearts and minds of those he inspired to continue the fight for equality.

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John Lewis’ Wife and Children

John Lewis’ personal life was deeply intertwined with his public persona as a civil rights leader. 

He met his future wife, Lillian Miles, at a New Year’s Eve party hosted by civil rights activist Xernona Clayton. 

At the time, Lillian was working at the library of Atlanta University, and their shared commitment to education and social justice helped forge a strong bond between them. 

They married in 1964, a significant year in the civil rights movement, marking a new chapter not just in Lewis’ personal life but also in his activism. 

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The couple welcomed their son in 1966, who followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in politics, furthering the Lewis legacy of public service and commitment to civil rights. 

Tragically, Lillian passed away on December 31, 2012, exactly 45 years after their fateful meeting, an event that underscored the profound connection they shared. 

Their grandson, who lives in Paris, continues to represent the family’s commitment to global engagement and civic responsibility, reflecting the values that John and Lillian Lewis instilled in their family throughout their lives.

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John Lewis Now

John Lewis passed away on July 17, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 80, leaving behind a profound legacy as one of the most influential figures in the civil rights movement. 

His death on the same day as fellow civil rights activist C.T. Vivian marked a poignant moment, as both men had dedicated their lives to the fight for justice and equality. 

Lewis was the last surviving member of the “Big Six” civil rights leaders, a group that included iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., A. Philip Randolph, and Roy Wilkins, who played pivotal roles in shaping the movement during the 1960s. 

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His passing signified not only the loss of a key architect of civil rights but also the end of an era characterized by courageous activism and tireless advocacy for social justice.

In December 2019, Lewis revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, a devastating announcement that shocked many of his supporters and admirers. 

Despite his diagnosis, Lewis remained resolute and continued to fulfill his duties as a member of Congress, embodying the same tenacity he had demonstrated throughout his life. 

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He sought treatment in the Washington, D.C. area while maintaining an active presence in public life, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the causes he championed. 

Even in his final months, Lewis continued to inspire others through his courage and determination, reminding the nation of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. 

His death was a significant loss, but his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the changes he helped bring about in American society.

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John Lewis Net Worth

At the time of his death in 2020, John Lewis, an esteemed American politician and civil rights leader, had a net worth of approximately $300,000, reflecting a life dedicated more to public service and social justice than personal wealth accumulation.

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