Obama Wishes John Lewis A Happy Birthday

ATLANTA, GA — Atlanta congressman and civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis received a special 80th birthday shout out on Friday. Former President Barack Obama tweeted him, calling him a “hero.”

“Happy birthday to one of my heroes — someone who believed our right to vote was more important than his own life. Thanks for making good trouble for 80 years, @repjohnlewis,” Obama tweeted along with a photo of the two hugging.

In December Lewis announced his stage four pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He said then that he would return to Washington, D.C., to begin treatment and resume work on Capitol Hill. Ambassador Andrew Young said in January that although Lewis had begun chemotherapy, he continues to work. Congressman Lewis was on the House floor in January to cast his first vote since the diagnosis.

The NAACP announced earlier this month that the organization will honor the civil rights leader Saturday with the NAACP Chairman’s Award for his “exemplary public service.”

“Congressman John Lewis is a modern hero in American history, and we’re proud to give him this award,” said Chairman Leon Russell in a news release. “In an age where our voting rights are under attack like never before, we’re honored to elevate a civil rights hero who has dedicated his life to protecting our constitutional rights, fighting injustice and speaking truth to power.”

During the civil rights movement, Lewis was known for his work as a freedom fighter. He also marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the March on Washington in 1963.

He is a member of the Democratic Party leadership in the House and has served as a chief deputy whip since 1991 and senior chief deputy whip since 2003. Lewis has been awarded many honorary degrees, including the highest civilian honor of the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Georgia's 5th Congressional District includes parts of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties, including most of the city of Atlanta. Other cities in the 5th District include Brookhaven, Decatur and South Fulton.