Rep. John Lewis To Give Framingham State Commencement Speech

FRAMINGHAM, MA- Georgia Congressman and Civil Rights Movement icon John Lewis, will give Framingham State University's undergraduate commencement address.

The ceremony will be on Sunday, May 26, at the DCU Center in Worcester.

“As a leader during the Civil Rights Movement, and a voice for the vulnerable and oppressed
during his more than 30 years in the House of Representatives, Congressman Lewis is a true
inspiration to our students, faculty and staff,” said Framingham State President F. Javier
Cevallos. “I can think of no one else more qualified to show our graduates what it means to live
a life that is dedicated to doing good for others.”

Framingham State will present Congressman Lewis with an honorary Doctor of Public Service
Degree.

Congressman Lewis became a nationally recognized leader for his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. 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.

Lewis was elected to Congress in November 1986 and has served as U.S. Representative of Georgia's Fifth Congressional District since then. He is Senior Chief Deputy Whip for the Democratic Party in leadership in the House, a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, a member of its Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, and Ranking Member of its Subcommittee on Oversight.

“During these divisive political times, we are so grateful to have Congressman Lewis to stand up
for the vulnerable and speak truth to power,” said President Cevallos. “We are truly honored to
have the opportunity to hear from him directly during our commencement ceremony.”

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