Friend,

This weekend, we lost John Lewis, a giant of the Civil Rights Movement and Congress’ moral compass.

Congressman Lewis was unwavering in his pursuit of equality. He was an original Freedom Rider, an organizer with the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, one of the youngest speakers at the 1963 March on Washington, and a leader in the Selma to Montgomery March that became known as Bloody Sunday. He was arrested over 40 times in the pursuit of liberty and justice for all.

Congressman Lewis was a firm believer in what he called “good trouble” — the kind of moral and necessary civil disobedience that made us pay attention to the reality of racism in America. After fighting alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mr. Lewis ran for Congress to continue advocating for his community. And in over 30 years in office, he never said no to a picture or a hug, because he truly loved every person he met.

In his final days, Congressman Lewis visited the Black Lives Matter Plaza in DC. It was a reminder of how far we’ve come as a nation, but also of how far we still need to go.

John Lewis devoted his life to the struggle for justice and freedom, and we must honor him by continuing his work. So I’m recommitting myself to the fights that John Lewis fought — the fight for voting rights, quality public education, affordable health care, and economic empowerment for every person.

Together we will continue to create good trouble.

Rest in power, Honorable John Lewis.

Best Regards,

— Yvette