Bowie Mayor Reacts To Death Of Rep. John Lewis

BOWIE, MD — As protesters continue to demand racial justice across the country, Bowie Mayor Timothy Adams paused to remember a civil rights icon: John Lewis. Adams said Americans have a duty to continue the push for equality in his name.

Lewis was one of the "Big Six" leaders during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He went on to serve Georgia's 5th congressional district for more than 30 years.

"In an already difficult year of trials and tribulation, the passing of Congressman John Lewis is another painful loss for our nation," Adams said in a press release. "This community, and the world at large, have lost a great man and a legend."

The representative is well-known for his participation in the March 7, 1965, march from Selma, Alabama to the state's capital of Montgomery. The demonstration condemned the death of a Black man shot by police at a protest.

Alabama state troopers broke up the march, beating Lewis and fellow peaceful activists on the Edmund Pettus Bridge outside Selma. The assault broke Lewis' skull. The day eventually came to be known as "Bloody Sunday."

"None can deny the tremendous impact he has had as an outspoken leader of the Civil Rights movement and a champion for social justice," Adams said.

Lewis also spoke during the 1963 march on Washington that ended with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech. Lewis was the only surviving keynote speaker from that day.

He died on July 17 at the age of 80. Lewis's death ended his battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

"His courage to face injustices head-on, oftentimes at great personal risk has and will always inspire us to stay true to the affirmations that justice, equity, and opportunity should be assured for all," Adams said. "We owe it to his memory and legacy to cherish the civil liberties and social justice he fought for and to carry forth the lessons he taught us to build a more inclusive and just future. Together."

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