Black Women Mourn Death of Rep. John Lewis, Vow to Continue His Quest for Justice

Statement by In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda President Marcela Howell

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a lifelong champion of civil rights and equality died. In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda Founder and President, Marcela Howell, issued the following statement:

“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis. While he represented a district in Georgia, he tirelessly fought for the rights of all people, especially the marginalized, disenfranchised and persecuted. President Obama reminded us that Rep. Lewis’ heroic life is an example we must follow when he said:

‘Generations from now, when parents teach their children what is meant by courage, the story of John Lewis will come to mind — an American who knew that change could not wait for some other person or some other time; whose life is a lesson in the fierce urgency of now.’

“We commit to toil with the same tenacity and fearlessness as we look injustice in the eye without flinching. We commit to strive with the same compassion and earnestness when we see persecution by stopping to stand and fight with the persecuted. We commit to live with the same purpose and selflessness as we dedicate our own lives to an idyllic fight for freedom.

”Through tear-filled eyes, we see Rep. Lewis’ vision for a country free of discrimination and oppression. Now, we must carry forward his fight. We vow to continue his quest for justice and equality for all.”