ENG:
John Robert Lewis (born February 21, 1940) is the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district, serving since 1987. He was a leader in the American Civil Rights Movement and chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), playing a key role in the struggle to end segregation. He is a member of the Democratic Party and is one of the most liberal legislators.
Early life and activism
Born in Troy, Alabama, the third son of Eddie and Willie Mae Lewis. His parents were sharecroppers. Lewis was educated at the Pike County Training High School, Brundidge, Alabama and also American Baptist Theological Seminary and at Fisk University, both in Nashville, Tennessee, where he became active in the local sit-in movement. As a student he made a systematic ...
Rep. John Lewis re-introduced a bill establishing a national initiative to make federal grants to community advocates, local, state, and tribal governments to teach the principles and discipline of non-violence to American youth.
Lewis first heard about non-violent activism as a teenager when he was only 15 years old. He heard Martin Luther King Jr. talking about the non-violent struggle in the city of Montgomery, and that radio broadcast changed his life. He knew then that he wanted to participate in the work of non-violent change ensuing in America. To this day, he himself is still an ...
He was elected to Congress in November 1986 and has served as U.S. Representative ofGeorgia’s Fifth Congressional District since then. That district includes the entire city ofAtlanta,Georgia and parts of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties.
Often called“one of the most courageous persons the Civil Rights Movement ever produced,” John Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties, and building what he calls “The Beloved Community” in America.
His dedication to the highest ethical standards and moral principles has won him ...
Congressman John Lewis visited the Occupy Atlanta rally at Woodruff Park last night approximately 45 minutes after its planning session, or General Assembly, started. Despite saying he did not want to speak, the civil rights icon was invited to address to the crowd. When the topic of allowing Lewis to speak was presented to the group, "Joe" (pictured in red) held up his arms to "block" Lewis from speaking.
"Joe" said he was against Lewis speaking because the movement is "not about one individual" and that it has been built on the idea of "no hierarchy." The crowd decided the congressman could ...