Rep. John Lewis, A Force In The Civil Rights Movement, Dead At 80

Jul 20, 20200

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Rep, John Lewis, who spoke at the 1963 March on Washington, said it was moral obligation to stand up for his beliefs. Susan Walsh/AP

John Lewis - an icon of the civil rights movement, congressman and for decades a force in Democratic politics - has died at age 80.

Lewis died after a battle with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer. Lewis began treatment for the disease after being diagnosed during a routine medical exam. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis in late December.

"He was honored and respected as the conscience of the US Congress and an icon of American history, but we knew him as a loving father and brother," Lewis' family said in a statement. "He was a stalwart champion in the on-going struggle to demand respect for the dignity and worth of every human being. He dedicated his entire life to non-violent activism and was an outspoken advocate in the struggle for equal justice in America. He will be deeply missed."

https://www.npr.org/2020/07/17/792579944/rep-john-lewis-a-force-in-the-civil-rights-movement-dead-at-80?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20200717&utm_term=4681914&utm_campaign=breaking-news&utm_id=48780983&orgid=309