#BREAKING: John Lewis — an icon of the civil rights movement, congressman and for decades a force in Democratic politics — has died at the age of 80. trib.al/SvF4FiI
Lewis began his nearly 60-year career in public service leading sit-ins at segregated lunch counters in the Jim Crow-era South.
He elevated that fight for freedom and equality with a speech at the Lincoln Memorial at the 1963 March on Washington. trib.al/69L4WWZ
Lewis called it a moral obligation to stand up for his beliefs.
That drive for service motivated him to run for Congress, where he represented the Atlanta area in the House for more than 30 years. trib.al/y4AwsWH
Lewis was known not only for his dedication to equality and justice but also for his unique and moving oratory.
He was revered by fellow lawmakers for his ability to capture a moment and inspire others to action, a skill he honed from his earliest days. trib.al/o19pTZD
In December, Lewis revealed his diagnosis of advanced-stage pancreatic cancer.
"I have been in some kind of fight — for freedom, equality, basic human rights — for nearly my entire life. I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now," he said. trib.al/FtEpdJi
"The world has lost a legend; the civil rights movement has lost an icon," the Congressional Black Caucus said in a statement on Lewis' death. trib.al/XlG0h3B
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