“I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me,” wrote Representative John Lewis, who penned this essay shortly before his death on July 17. We are publishing it today, on the day of his funeral. nyti.ms/2DnprJ2
“You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story,” wrote civil rights icon John Lewis. “Around the country and the world you set aside race, class, age, language and nationality to demand respect for human dignity.” nyti.ms/2DnprJ2 
“Emmett Till was my George Floyd. He was my Rayshard Brooks, Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. He was 14 when he was killed, and I was only 15 years old at the time,” wrote John Lewis. nyti.ms/2DnprJ2
“Like so many young people today, I was searching for a way out, or some might say a way in, and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on an old radio,” wrote civil rights leader John Lewis nyti.ms/2DnprJ2
“Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble,” John Lewis wrote. “Voting and participating in the democratic process are key.” nyti.ms/2DnprJ2
“Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe,” Representative John Lewis wrote. “Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.” nyti.ms/2DnprJ2
