John Lewis was a prominent civil rights leader and politician who played a crucial role in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. Born in 1940 in Troy, Alabama, Lewis became involved in the civil rights movement as a young man and was a key figure in many significant events, including the March on Washington in 1963 where he was one of the "Big Six" leaders negotiating for civil rights legislation with President Kennedy and the Interstate Commerce Commission bus desegregation hearings in 1961.

Lewis was a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and was a key organizer and participant in numerous nonviolent protests and demonstrations, including the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. This event, known as "Bloody Sunday," resulted in Lewis and other activists being brutally beaten by law enforcement officers as they attempted to march for voting rights.

Throughout his life, Lewis continued to be a champion for civil rights and social justice, serving as a U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district for over 30 years. He was a firm believer in the power of nonviolent protest and dedicated his life to fighting against racial discrimination and injustice.

John Lewis passed away in July 2020, leaving behind a powerful legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the principles of equality and justice. He was a true icon of the civil rights movement and his contributions to Black history and American history as a whole are immeasurable.