Quigley Statement on Passing of Congressman John Lewis

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement on the passing of civil rights icon, Congressman John Lewis:

"John Lewis's life defies description. He was a son of sharecroppers who grew to be a titan of the Civil Rights Movement and the conscience of the United States Congress. He was beaten bloody during the Freedom Rides and yet offered forgiveness to the Klansman who had attacked him. He taught us all how to fight for the soul of our democracy and, most importantly, how to get into ‘good trouble.'

"John Lewis simply never tired of fighting for what he knew to be right. Just weeks ago, he joined protestors in the streets in calling for justice for George Floyd and an end to systemic racism. The passion of those protestors and their dedication to nonviolence is already a tribute to the indelible legacy of this icon.

"We are a better country because of his leadership and I will never forget what a profound honor it was to serve beside him."