Thread by @AliVelshi

1/6
Today began with news of the loss of a TRUE American leader. John Lewis was born the son of sharecroppers in Alabama & went on to become a fearless leader of the Civil Rights movement, a towering figure in Congress. #velshi

2/6
Lewis’ fight for justice began early in life: as a student, he would organize sit-ins, eventually becoming one of the 13 Freedom Riders & the founder & early leader of SNCC: the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. #velshi

3/6
Lewis' fight against injustice & for his beliefs was not easy. He endured remarkable violence at the hands of authorities as a Freedom Rider & had his skull broken in Selma after leading a march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, named for a KKK member. #velshi

4/6
Lewis continued to preach non-violence throughout his life, yet he never shied away from confrontation that might result in his arrest or attacks against him. He spent his whole life fighting bigotry & racism with polish, compassion & resilience. #velshi

5/6
It's been nearly 60 years since Lewis began his life's work & his teachings are more relevant & important than ever. Once again, people are in the streets, risking violence from police, discontented with a country that continues to foster inequities based on race. #velshi

6/6
As we remember the force that was John Lewis, consider his own words: “Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise & get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” #velshi