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Tribute to Congressman John Lewis and
Reverend C.T. Vivian, two civil rights
icons, who died on July 17, 2020
John Lewis and C. T. Vivian made their transition from mortality to immortaity on July 17, 2020, at the age of 80 and 95, respectively. They both are legends and icons of the civil rights movement.
John Lewis became involved in civil rights at the young age of 15. He served 17 terms in Congress since first being elected in 1986. He was not only the conscience of Congress but of America. He was brutally beaten in 1965 on the Edmund Petus Bridge in Montgomery, Alabama and worked with Martin Luther King Jr.
C. T. Vivian was a minister and civil rights activist who worked in the Freedom Rides and with Martin Luther King, jr., in the struggle to secure voting rights for African Americans.
The activism of both Lewis and Vivian played an important role in the enactment of three civil rights acts: the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawing discrimination in public accomodations, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 guaranteeing African Americans the right to vote and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Their activism with others made it possible for President Lyndon B. Johnson to be able to sign these three Acts into law.
In 1964 there were five African Americans in Congress. Currently, there are 49 African American representatives and two African American delegates in the United States House and two African American in the United States Senate.
On behalf of all African Americans and all Americans who believe in freedom and justice for all Amrcicans I, Uriah J. Fields, secretary and Martin Luther King Jr., president of the Montgomery Improvement Association that conducted the Montgomery Bus Boycott following the arrest of Rosa Parks who refused to give her bus seat to a white person in 1955-1956, I salute and pay tribute to John Lewis and C. T. Vivian for their activism and leadership guided by their Christian faith they both never ceased to embrace and be embraced by.
I am confident that future generations will join this generation and honor you for your legacy that will continue to inspire them to do fheir part in affecting a more perfect union.
Well done my friends. Rest in peace.
Copyright 2020 by Uriah J. Fields
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Likewise, not following Congress closely, I actually did not find John Lewis on my radar until the movie, when it became apparent his very early and adamant involvement in civil rights. And now, his long service to the country as a congressman for 50 years.
They both deserve your salute. Wholeheartedly, so do I.
Ron