#GoodTrouble
Often called “one of the most courageous persons the Civil Rights Movement ever produced,” John Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties, and building what he calls “The Beloved Community” in America.
The Lewis Legacy
Career, Milestones & Achievements
While still a young man, John Lewis became a nationally recognized leader. By 1963, he was dubbed one of the Big Six leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. At the age of 23, he was an architect of and a keynote speaker at the historic March on Washington in August 1963.
The Lewis Legacy
Celebration of Life
Ceremony
The family of Rep. John Lewis today released details of the Celebration of Life ceremonies that will take place over six days, beginning on Saturday, July 25, 2020. A military honor guard will accompany Rep. Lewis during all events, including when he crosses the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. and while he lies in state in Montgomery, Ala.; Washington, D.C.; and Atlanta, Ga. Participants will be required to wear masks and to maintain appropriate social distancing at each event.
In light of the pandemic, the family encourages Congressman Lewis’s many supporters to organize John Lewis Virtual Love Events in their homes to watch the ceremonies. They will be live streamed on multiple platforms. To fully participate, the public is encouraged to tie a blue or purple ribbon on their front doors or in their front yards to commemorate his life. They can post video, photos, songs, or any kind of virtual tribute to Rep. Lewis at #BelovedCommunity or #Human Dignity or leave a written tribute at http://www.johnlewislegacy.org. In lieu of flowers please visit https://johnandlillianmileslewisfoundation.org.
CEREMONIES
Saturday, July 25
Troy, Ala and Selma, Ala
A Service Celebrating “The Boy from Troy”
Trojan Arena, Troy University
10:00 am – 11:00 am CT
This ceremony is open to the public, but seating is limited. Participants must obtain a ticket in the parking lot of the arena upon arrival to enter the facility. Due to the needs required to maintain social distancing, only 800 public seats are available. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings. A network pool will cover proceedings inside the arena. Outside the arena is open press.
Rep. Lewis Lies in Repose
Trojan Arena, Troy University
11:00 am – 2:00 pm CT
Open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings. A network pool will cover proceedings inside the arena. Outside the arena is open press.
Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CT
Given COVID-19 precautions, this event is not open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings. A network pool will cover proceedings inside the church. Outside the church is open press.
Rep. Lewis Lies in Repose
Brown Chapel A.ME. Church
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm CT
Open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings. A network pool will cover proceedings inside the church. Outside the church is open press.
“#Good Trouble: Courage, Sacrifice & the Long March for Freedom”
Sunday, July 26
Selma, Ala and Montgomery, Ala
The Final Crossing
Edmund Pettus Bridge
10:00 am CT
The public is invited to view the processional as it travels from Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church to the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings. A network pool will cover the final crossing. Other than the network pool, press will not be allowed on the bridge during the final crossing.
Receiving Ceremony
Alabama State Capitol
Front Entrance Hall, State Capitol
2:00 pm – 2:15 pm CT
Local pool coverage.
Rep. John Lewis Lies in State
Alabama State Capitol
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm CT
Open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings. Closed press.
Sunday, July 26
Selma, Ala and Montgomery, Ala
The Final Crossing
Edmund Pettus Bridge
10:00 am CT
The public is invited to view the processional as it travels from Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church to the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings. A network pool will cover the final crossing. Other than the network pool, press will not be allowed on the bridge during the final crossing.
Receiving Ceremony
Alabama State Capitol
Front Entrance Hall, State Capitol
2:00 pm – 2:15 pm CT
Local pool coverage.
Rep. John Lewis Lies in State
Alabama State Capitol
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm CT
Open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings. Closed press.
Washington, D.C.
Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28
Special Ceremony (Invitation-only)
Rotunda, United States Capitol
Mon., July 27, 1:30 pm
Network pool coverage.
Rep. John Lewis Lies in State
United States Capitol
Mon., July 27, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tues., July 28, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Given COVID-19 precautions, Rep. Lewis will lie in state at the top of the East Front Steps of the U.S. Capitol for the public viewing, and the public will file past on the East Plaza. Per the Washington, D.C. Mayor’s order, masks will be required to enter the line, which will begin at the corner of First and East Capitol Streets NE. Social distancing will also be strictly enforced. Given expected high temperatures and the potential for inclement weather, members of the public are encouraged to bring water and umbrellas. Network pool coverage.
Atlanta, Ga.
Wednesday, July 29
Special Ceremony
Rotunda, Georgia State Capitol
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Local pool coverage.
Rep. John Lewis Lies in State
Rotunda, Georgia State Capitol
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
8:00 pm – 8:00 am
Local pool coverage. Open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Omega Service
Rotunda, Georgia State Capitol
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Local pool coverage. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings.
A LIFETIME OF SERVICE
Atlanta, Ga
Thursday, July 30
A Celebration of Life
Ebenezer Baptist Church Horizon Sanctuary
11:00 am
Given COVID-19 precautions, this event is not open to the public. Attendees will be required to wear face and mouth coverings. Network pool coverage.
Internment
South-View Cemetery (private)
Pool coverage TBD.
The Lewis Legacy
News Articles & Media Coverage
For Media Inquiries Contact: Brenda Jones at bjones.lewis@icloud.com or (833) 426-5866 ext. 801.
The Lewis Legacy
Words Of Wisdom
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“If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.”
John Lewis
U.S. Representative -
“If you're not hopeful and optimistic, then you just give up. You have to take that long hard look and just believe that if your consistent, you will succeed”
John Lewis
U.S. Representative -
“You cannot be afraid to speak up and speak out for what you believe. You have to have courage, raw courage.”
John Lewis
U.S. Representative -
“Get out there and push, and stand up, and speak out, and get in the way the same that my generation got in the way. [Get in trouble.] Good trouble. Necessary trouble.”
John Lewis
U.S. Representative -
“When people tell me nothing has changed, I say come walk in my shoes and I will show you change.”
John Lewis
U.S. Representative
The Lewis Legacy
John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation
In lieu of flowers and for more information, please visit the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation website at www.johnandlillianmileslewisfoundation.org.
