Barack Obama has led tributes to civil rights hero John Lewis, who died on Friday aged 80.
Lawmakers, mayors, actors, musicians, and the mighty and the ordinary from Alabama and Georgia to New York and California hailed the courageous lion of civil rights who never gave up his fight and his hope, and never lost his love.
Lewis’s “goodness, faith and bravery transformed our nation,” said house speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“Make good trouble, necessary trouble. Seek justice,” tweeted Birmingham, Alabama, mayor Randall Woodfin, quoting Lewis himself. “Rep. John Lewis, the conscience of Black America, has already given us our marching orders. It’s our duty to press onward. Rest well, hero.”
Lewis’s last words in March to the Rev Dr William J. Barber, a leader of the Poor People’s Campaign, were: “Keep the fight going.”
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
.@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
1/ In this moment, it is difficult and heartbreaking to comprehend a world without John Lewis. pic.twitter.com/ra3RJhMU4a
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) July 18, 2020
5/ John Lewis had faith in our nation and in the next generation. He warned us not to get lost in despair. So, in this moment of grief, we are hopeful – we are hopeful that, collectively, we can live up to his legacy.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) July 18, 2020
Make good trouble.
Necessary trouble.
Seek justice.Rep. John Lewis, the conscience of Black America, has already given us our marching orders. It's our duty to press onward. Rest well, hero. pic.twitter.com/X5AyrIPbyr
— Randall Woodfin (@randallwoodfin) July 18, 2020
John 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.
— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) July 18, 2020
John Lewis was and will always be an American hero and champion for civil rights, who inspired us all to make good trouble in the fight for justice.
Rest in power, Rep. John Lewis.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) July 18, 2020
John 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
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 18, 2020
America is poorer tonight. And the Kingdom of Heaven richer. "Within all of us there is the spark of the divine. Maybe it’s planted by God Almighty, and we have to use it for good, to be the best we can be."–John Lewis, in a conversation weeks before he died.
— Jon Meacham (@jmeacham) July 18, 2020
As I said in an interview back in March, some of John Lewis’s last words to me were, “Keep the fight going.” & that’s what we must do. We must all become the conscience of the nation & Congress now & challenge them to rise to this moment. & when necessary, get into good trouble. pic.twitter.com/4C58pXCn9d
— Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II (@RevDrBarber) July 18, 2020
This is a great loss for America, and for everyone who believes in making the world a more just place. John Lewis not only saw that our country could be better–he never stopped working to make it that way. We need leaders like him more than ever. https://t.co/YffaikZtZZ
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) July 18, 2020
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
Oh how we will mourn your loss and yet strive to continue your fight for justice for us all! “We must never, ever give up! We must be brave,bold,courageous” John Lewis pic.twitter.com/bbxmQODmf1
— Angela Bassett (@ImAngelaBassett) July 18, 2020
“Even though I was under arrest, I smiled because I believed we were on the right side of history. You too must find a way to get in the way.” -John Lewis ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WqkSFDCsMl
— Niccole Thurman (@niccolethurman) July 18, 2020
Congressman John Lewis spent his life fighting racism and injustice wherever he confronted it, from boycotts, sit-ins, and other protests in the streets, to championing bold, progressive policies in Congress. #ripjohnlewispic.twitter.com/Sj3joYHWni
— The Black Caucus (@TheBlackCaucus) July 18, 2020
We learned from civil rights giant Congressman John Lewis that we have “a moral obligation, a mission and a mandate, to speak up, speak out and get in good trouble.”
In honor of his legacy, we will continue on this path of good trouble.
Rest in power, Congressman.
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) July 18, 2020
"You have a moral obligation, a mission and a mandate, to speak up, speak out and get in good trouble."
– Rep. John Lewis | #GoodTrouble
Thank you for EVERYTHING. pic.twitter.com/wDxl1f5kKQ
— Josiah Williams (@JDeanWilliams) July 18, 2020
John Lewis was a hero we didn’t deserve—a champion for equality and freedom, a steadfast statesman, and one of my personal heroes—and I’m heartbroken at his passing. He lived a remarkable life and inspired a generation of Americans to fight for a better tomorrow.
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) July 18, 2020
I feel their power. Though the tears flow, I will honor their sacrifices with my determination and renewed purpose. Come what may. #CTVivian#JohnLewispic.twitter.com/HT8d5QM86z
— Sherrilyn Ifill (@Sifill_LDF) July 18, 2020
John Lewis inspired us to bring about the change we dream of seeing in the world. He championed justice and opportunity for all — the lion of Civil Rights. His legacy is our pursuit of “good trouble” that transforms America. Let us continue to honor and celebrate his life 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/3Ca4y9Hov3
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) July 18, 2020
“When you lose your sense of fear, you’re free.” -Rep. John Lewis 🙏🏽 We will continue to blaze the path toward true justice and equality for ALL in your honor. Thank you for your life’s work ♥️ pic.twitter.com/xtxG1GkUe0
— Demetria Obilor (@DemetriaObilor) July 18, 2020
“Be kind, be hopeful, be optimistic, never get down. It's all gonna be okay, all gonna be alright. We're one people, we're one family. We all live in the same house, not just the American house but the world house. I wish you well.”
Baruch Dayan haEmet. Rest in power, Rep. Lewis https://t.co/rFOrtA6Qco
— Elijah Jacob Mears (@ElijahJMears) July 18, 2020