Baton Rouge Statement Of Mayor On The Passing Of Congressman John Lewis

Press release from the City of Baton Rouge:

July 23, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — July 19, 2020 — Our country has lost a great civil rights leader and man of faith with the passing of Congressman John Lewis. Raised by sharecroppers in rural Alabama, Lewis spent his entire life fighting for the rights of oppressed people.

As a young activist, he organized sit-ins, bus boycotts, and freedom rides. He bravely faced angry mobs and endured harsh beatings without ever raising his fist in anger.

He took his determination and values to the nation’s capital, serving more than three decades in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Lewis’s life was the ultimate testament of courage and commitment to racial justice and equity.

We all must do our part to pay homage to his memory and build upon the foundation he has laid. Flags at City-Parish buildings will be flown at half-staff until sunset on Monday.

This press release was produced by the City of Baton Rouge. The views expressed here are the author’s own.