Many took to social media and other mediums to honor the longtime U.S. representative and civil rights icon.
ATLANTA — The world shared their words of honor and comfort on Friday night following the announcement that a civil rights legend, Rep. John Lewis, had died.
Word came in from not only politicians and stars, but also those who continue the work he performed through his life.
We're collecting some of the most impactful messages shared overnight Friday, praising Lewis and what he accomplished over the course of his 80 years.
Dr. Bernice King
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 18, 2020Farewell, sir.
You did, indeed, fight the good fight and get into a lot of good trouble.
You served God and humanity well.
Thank you.
Take your rest. #JohnLewis pic.twitter.com/U1cPEwfCGO
Gov. Brian Kemp
John Lewis changed our world in profound and immeasurable ways. @GAFirstLady, the girls, and I are praying for all of his loved ones, friends, and colleagues in this incredibly difficult time. (2/2)
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) July 18, 2020
Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed
Thank you for it all, Congressman John Lewis. You will be remembered beyond all of the tomorrows. Another one of our Great Men has left us. God’s covering to you and your loved ones. #RestInPeaceJohnLewis pic.twitter.com/QJXHs2p8NN
— Kasim Reed (@KasimReed) July 18, 2020
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms
The most humble of heroes, the most brave of giants. @repjohnlewis loved unconditionally and called upon us all to be a better version of ourselves. He was my Congressman and my best example of true servant leadership. I am grateful for his life and the joy of having known him. pic.twitter.com/HC23WElOtV
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) July 18, 2020
Stacey Abrams
God has welcomed @repjohnlewis home. Defender of justice. Champion of right. Our conscience, he was a griot of this modern age, one who saw its hatred but fought ever towards the light. And never once did he begrudge sharing its beauty. I loved him & will miss him. #JohnLewis pic.twitter.com/XNbiEsClQl
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) July 18, 2020
Former President Barack Obama
"In so many ways, John’s life was exceptional. But he never believed that what he did was more than any citizen of this country might do. He believed that in all of us, there exists the capacity for great courage, a longing to do what’s right, a willingness to love all people, and to extend to them their God-given rights to dignity and respect. And it’s because he saw the best in all of us that he will continue, even in his passing, to serve as a beacon in that long journey towards a more perfect union."
Not many of us get to live to see our own legacy play out in such a meaningful, remarkable way. John Lewis did:https://t.co/KbVfYt5CeQ
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 18, 2020
Former President Bill Clinton
John Lewis gave all he had to redeem America’s unmet promise of equality and justice for all, and to create a place for us to build a more perfect union together. In so doing he became the conscience of the nation.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 18, 2020
Former President Jimmy Carter
Statement from Jimmy Carter on the passing of John Lewis pic.twitter.com/neoHpc0jBt
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) July 18, 2020
Vice President Mike Pence
"Congressman John Lewis was a great man whose courage and decades of public service changed America forever, and he will be deeply missed. John Lewis will be remembered as a giant of the civil rights movement whose selflessness and conviction rendered our nation into a more perfect union and his example will inspire generations of Americans.
"While John Lewis will be rightly remembered as an icon of the civil rights movement, for me he was also a colleague and a friend. Even when we differed, John was always unfailingly kind and my family and I will never forget the privilege of crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge at his side on the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.
"Karen and I and send our prayers and deepest sympathies to his family and friends and all who mourn the passing of this good and great man. May God bless the memory of John Lewis and may his example ever inspire."
Sen. David Perdue (R)
“No one embodied the word ‘courage’ better than John Lewis. As a civil rights icon, John inspired millions of Americans to fight injustice and reject the status quo. Without a doubt, his wisdom and resolve made the world a better place. Bonnie and I join the nation in sending heartfelt prayers to John’s loved ones during this difficult time. We hope they find comfort in knowing he is at peace and that his legacy will live on for generations to come.”
Bonnie and I join the nation in sending heartfelt prayers to John’s loved ones during this difficult time. We hope they find comfort in knowing he is at peace and that his legacy will live on for generations to come.
— David Perdue (@sendavidperdue) July 18, 2020
US Rep. Tom Graves (R - 9th Dist., Ga.)
John Lewis was a dear friend. I am lucky to have served alongside him. God bless him and his family in the days to come. pic.twitter.com/3O4GS65KkO
— Tom Graves (@RepTomGraves) July 18, 2020
US Rep. Hank Johnson (D - 4th Dist., Ga.)
.@repjohnlewis was a giant of a man. Never angry or puffed up with self importance, he was a humble servant who loved humanity. And we loved him back. Thank you John Lewis, for your contribution to the cause of love and peace. I will follow your example. pic.twitter.com/ocBVODLEkN
— Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) July 18, 2020
Sen Mitt Romney (R)
With the passing of John Lewis, America has lost not only a man of history, but a man for our season; O how we need such men of unwavering principle, unassailable character, penetrating purpose, and heartfelt compassion.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) July 18, 2020
Rev. Raphael Warnock
"Today the world lost a giant. I lost a mentor, a church member and a friend. In his youth, John Lewis wrestled with a call to ministry. But instead of preaching sermons, he became a sermon for all the world to see. He was a walking, living sermon about love, truth-telling and justice-making on the earth.
John Lewis summoned the best within us while standing on a bridge in Selma with faith and courage. As his pastor, I was honored to be with him as he crossed his final bridge with the same faith and courage.
The hero of Bloody Sunday fought for our voice and our vote. For that he will be kindly remembered by history, his deeds etched in eternity. Our lives are richer and better because John Lewis passed our way.
The hero of Bloody Sunday fought for our voice and our vote. For that he will be kindly remembered by history, his deeds etched in eternity. Our lives are richer and better because John Lewis passed our way. pic.twitter.com/ZnZyjkzNcu
— Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) July 18, 2020
He was a walking, living sermon about love, truth-telling and justice-making on the earth. John Lewis summoned the best within us while standing on a bridge in Selma with faith and courage.
— Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) July 18, 2020
Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R)
“The passing of John Lewis is a devastating loss, not just for Georgia, but the entire country. Few people have the grit, tenacity or courage of John Lewis. As a leader in the civil rights movement, he always pushed America to live up to its promise of freedom and equality. Our nation is better because of his leadership and courage. We know his legacy will never be forgotten. Jeff and I join the nation in mourning this tremendous loss. May God comfort the Lewis family and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Atlanta City Council
The City Council mourns the passing of John Lewis, a civil rights icon, Congressman, and former Council member. We join family and friends in honoring his dedicated service representing the people of Atlanta and celebrate the indelible mark he left on our country #JohnLewis #Hero pic.twitter.com/iDXrlqiLB1
— Atlanta City Council (@atlcouncil) July 18, 2020
Former VP Joe Biden
I know of no man with more courage than John Lewis. He was a giant walking among us. When I saw him, I couldn’t help but think one thing: “I haven’t done enough.” May his life and legacy inspire every one of us to strive for justice, equality and what is right. pic.twitter.com/jtoCnmjexz
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 18, 2020
Hillary Clinton
John Lewis was the truest kind of patriot. He believed America could be better, even live up to its highest founding ideals of equality & liberty for all. He made good trouble to help us get there. Now it’s up to the rest of us to carry on his work. Rest in power, my friend. pic.twitter.com/a3gEAiMzp3
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 18, 2020
Rep. Hakeem Jefferies
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) July 18, 2020We have lost a legendary leader, civil rights icon and change agent extraordinaire.
John Lewis altered the course of history and left America a much better place.
May he forever Rest In Power.#GoodTrouble https://t.co/pm7PYcf8GR
Former US Sen. Johnny Isakson
I am terribly saddened by the loss of a great man. @repjohnlewis was a man of faith, who fought every battle with dignity, including his last. His legacy and the lessons he leaves behind have touched us all, and my prayers are with all who loved him. We will miss you, my friend. pic.twitter.com/qbwWQBs4fs
— Johnny Isakson (@SenatorIsakson) July 18, 2020
Former US Rep. Gabrielle Giffords
John Lewis was the best of us. He taught me nothing is ever so hard that we can’t keep going. I will miss his grace and compassion—and I’ll fight everyday for his vision of what America can be. It’s a very sad day for our entire nation. pic.twitter.com/rWo8JM6CoZ
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) July 18, 2020
Former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich
Congressman Lewis would be a great and fitting example for the new national statue garden. He represents a part of American history we can all be proud of. Millions of African Americans lead better lives today because of John Lewis. All Americans have been touched by his courage.
— newtgingrich (@newtgingrich) July 18, 2020
Ava DuVernay
Thank you for your care and kindness, your advice and understanding. Will never forget what you taught me and what you challenged me to be. Better. Stronger. Bolder. Braver. God bless you, Ancestor John Robert Lewis of Troy, Alabama. Run into His arms. https://t.co/DTUEw7cJzX
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) July 18, 2020
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R)
As a mark of respect, I’ve directed flags be flown at half-staff across Alabama to honor Congressman John Lewis. https://t.co/EH9aTbrZRQ pic.twitter.com/1xD1d0weUW
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) July 18, 2020
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D)
“When you see something that is not right, not just, not fair, you have a moral obligation to do something."
Tonight, the world lost a legend. Let us honor his life and memory with action.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D)
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) July 18, 2020With John Lewis’ passing, America lost a civil rights icon who shined a light and fought the fight.
Know that we will continue to make #goodtrouble
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D)
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 18, 2020John Lewis was a true American hero and the moral compass of our nation. May his courage and conviction live on in all of us as we continue to make good trouble for justice and opportunity.
Rest in power, John.
Atlanta Hawks
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 18, 2020We mourn the loss of Congressman John Lewis. Last night, our city and country lost one of its heroes and most important civil rights icons who was highly regarded for his nearly six decades of social activism and getting into ‘good trouble’.
Statement: https://t.co/2BZ4Xvwkxi pic.twitter.com/KiksxoxWEN
Atlanta Dream
“The entire Atlanta Dream organization grieves the loss of Rep. John Lewis. He was an American hero who represented our community with dignity and class. He will be missed but his legacy will live on.”
Stephen Colbert
Goodbye, John Lewis. Thank you for the #goodtrouble pic.twitter.com/LDzDV1dKXW
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) July 18, 2020
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D)
.@RepJohnLewis was a titan of the civil rights movement whose goodness, faith and bravery transformed our nation. Every day of his life was dedicated to bringing freedom and justice to all. pic.twitter.com/xMbfAUhLUv
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 18, 2020
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R)
My statement on the passing of Congressman John Lewis: pic.twitter.com/sFuU8cqPc8
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) July 18, 2020
Hank Aaron
— Hank Aaron (@HenryLouisAaron) July 18, 2020
Arthur Blank, owner of Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United
"At the passing of a true American icon, I join his family, the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and our country in mourning the loss of my dear friend Congressman John Lewis. Freedom fighter are words that were rightly associated with John all his life. It was one of the great honors of my life to be standing at John's side in 2011 when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his decades of service as a Congressman representing our city and for his heroic courage as one of the 13 original Freedom Riders during the most turbulent years of the civil rights movement. John wore the scars of a brutal 1965 beating he received while leading the history-changing 'Bloody Sunday' march in Selma – to those honored to know him, it was always a reminder that freedom isn't free. John risked his life to end legalized racial segregation and make America a better place for us and future generations. Throughout his 33 years representing Atlanta in Congress, he served as the conscience of that body, reminding us all that democracy is a daily struggle. That's the enduring legacy of one of the most courageous people I ever met. May he rest well and at peace after such a meaningful, purpose-filled life."
Martin Luther King, III
— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) July 18, 2020John Lewis was an American treasure.
He gave a voice to the voiceless, and he reminded each of us that the most powerful nonviolent tool is the vote.
Our hearts feel empty without our friend, but we find comfort knowing that he is free at last.
NAACP
We are deeply saddened by the passing of John Lewis. His life-long mission for justice, equality and freedom left a permanent impression on our nation and world. The NAACP extends our sincerest condolences to his family, and we send prayers of comfort and strength to all.
— NAACP (@NAACP) July 18, 2020
National Bar Association
A legend, icon, and leader. Rest In Peace, John Lewis. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/4aKm1T38Po
— National Bar Assoc. (@nationalbar) July 18, 2020
Sen. Kamala Harris (D)
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 18, 2020John Lewis was an icon who fought with every ounce of his being to advance the cause of civil rights for all Americans. I'm devastated for his family, friends, staff—and all those whose lives he touched.
My friend, thank you for showing the world what #GoodTrouble looks like. pic.twitter.com/cvG8nSJCW5
Embassy of Ireland
John Lewis’s impact extended far beyond America’s shores. His example inspired civil rights activists in Northern Ireland where, six years ago, he joined another remarkable John crossing the Peace Bridge in Derry. His legacy on our island is a great one. He will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/3L9Z1OeXmT
— Embassy of Ireland USA (@IrelandEmbUSA) July 18, 2020
Rep. Lucy McBath (D)
— Lucy McBath (@lucymcbath) July 18, 2020Rarely is there an individual who sacrificed so much to make the world more just, but Congressman John Lewis did. I cannot even begin to put into words the contributions he made to the world.
I love you, Congressman.
May God rest your soul. pic.twitter.com/1V0UAsNS27
Black Voices for Trump
“We join the nation in mourning the loss of Representative John Lewis, an icon of the civil rights movement who dedicated his life and career to bettering our country. We will forever be grateful for the legacy he leaves as we pray for him and his family.”
– Clarence Henderson, Black Voices for Trump Advisory Board Member
Preet Bharara
There’s a bridge needs a new name pic.twitter.com/RjwrzAAZrA
— Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) July 18, 2020
Pau Gasol
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 18, 2020Wise words from John Lewis:
“When you see something that is not right... you must have the courage to stand up, to speak up and find a way to get in the way.”
Remembering John Lewis
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John Lewis, civil rights icon
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File photo by Jim Bourdier, AP
Lewis speaks during a news conference in Jackson, Miss., on June 23, 1964, where he called on President Johnson to protect summer volunteers in Mississippi.