John -

I have felt a profound mix of emotions over these past few days as we mourn the loss of Congressman John Lewis.

Rarely is there an individual who sacrificed so much to make the world more just. John Lewis was an icon who stood up to make our country safer to fight for the civil and human rights of every human being. He fought tirelessly for equality and justice for all. Put simply, he was an American hero.

This loss is deeply personal to me. Serving alongside him in a neighboring district here in Georgia was the honor of a lifetime. He was my hero, my mentor, my colleague and my friend.

So many of us have a story about his leadership and grace that we cherish. For me, that story is the day he led the House of Representatives in a sit-in after the Pulse shooting in 2016 to push for gun safety legislation.

As he sat on the House floor leading my now-colleagues, I stood outside the Capitol leading activists. Our parallel movements demanding change to make our communities safer. It was a humbling reminder of the impact he’s had on generations of activists fighting for justice.

The legacy he leaves behind is large and impossible to put into words in a way that would do him justice. There’s no doubt in my mind that I would not be in the position I am today were it not for the path John Lewis paved. Like so many of our country’s Black leaders, I stand on his shoulders.

But in this moment of great sadness, I’m reminded of his own words:

“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”

It’s that spirit that I shall carry forward in this moment, tomorrow and for as long as the Lord allows.

We are all tasked with the responsibility to carry on the torch, the mantle that he gave us. He set the stage and created the platform for us.

Now we are charged with following the path he paved - ensuring civil and human justice for all.

The fight will not be easy. There will be times that it will test us and push us to our limits. But it is in those moments that we are buoyed by the heroic leadership of Congressman Lewis.

We owe him a debt of gratitude. We really, really do, and I am so grateful and so thankful that I and my colleagues had the privilege to serve with a legendary icon who I am proud to call my friend.

I love you, Congressman. May God rest your soul.

Lucy

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