Remembering a legacy of ‘good trouble’

1940-2020 U.S. REP. JOHN LEWIS

Bernice King, Daughter Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Farewell, 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.”

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms: “The City of Atlanta’s Congressman Lewis is an American hero and one of the pillars of the Civil Rights Movement. Congressman Lewis was also revered as the dean of the Georgia Congressional delegation whose passionate call to ‘make good trouble’ became a generational rallying cry for nonviolent activism in the pursuit of social justice and human rights.”

U.S. Sen. David Perdue Of Georgia: “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.”

U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler Of Georgia: “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.”

President Donald Trump: “Saddened to hear the news of civil rights hero John Lewis passing. Melania and I send our prayers to he and his family.”

Former President Jimmy Carter: “He made an indelible mark on history through his quest to make our nation more just. John never shied away from what he called ‘good trouble’ to lead our nation on the path toward human and civil rights. Everything he did, he did in a spirit of love. All Americans, regardless of race or religion, owe John Lewis a debt of gratitude.”

Former President Barack Obama: “Considering his enormous impact on the history of this country, what always struck those who met John was his gentleness and humility . ... Early on, he embraced the principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as the means to bring about real change in this country, understanding that such tactics had the power not only to change laws, but to change hearts and minds as well.“

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary Of State Hillary Clinton: “From a small farm in Alabama, to life-risking service in the civil rights movement, to three decades in Congress, he was always ‘walking with the wind,’ steered by a moral compass that told him when to make good trouble and when to heal troubled waters. Always true to his word, his faith and his principles, John Lewis became the conscience of the nation.”