Local leaders are expressing their condolences and mentioning the impact of civil rights activist and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., who died at the age of 80.
From U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam: "Brother John, as he was affectionately known to so many of us, was a timeless beacon of moral light who guided our nation through some of its darkest days. In our years of service together, he time and again offered me the gifts of his courage, his warmth, and his friendship. History is etched with the markings of his fierce and humble courage and generous spirit, forged in an iron crucible that seemed to glow from within him.
"I will forever cherish his visits to our region, including when he received an honorary doctorate of laws from Union College, and the point he made of speaking to our youngest children and in particular our children of color. His wisdom and example have long lifted the spirits and gaze of generations, and his legend will continue to do the same for generations to come."
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY: “Congressman John Lewis was an American legend, whose courage and leadership in the civil rights movement and the House of Representatives laid the foundation for a more equal and just future. It was a tremendous honor to work alongside John Lewis on many important issues, from fighting discrimination to expanding voting rights. While today our country mourns the loss of an icon, John Lewis’ legacy will live on in every American who believes in and fights for freedom and justice.”
Thearse McCalmon of Schenectady, Democratic candidate for state Senate: "Today we mourn, but we rejoice as well. Without the courage and audacity of John Lewis, SNCC and Dr. King, many of us would not be able to get in the way, or get into 'good trouble' and make the changes that needed to happen; voting rights, integration of schools and neighborhoods etc. The fight continues! As we navigate through this pandemic, and Black Revolution, let us resemble the legacy of Congressman John Lewis. Let's get out there, be brave, courageous, and get in the way! Disrupt! Let's get into good trouble so that we can finally seal the lid on hate, and move forward with love and unity."
Gov. Andrew Cuomo: "John Lewis was one of the greatest men this country has ever known - a man of unimpeachable integrity, wisdom, courage, and morality. He was our conscience. And I know I speak for the entire family of New York when I say we are devastated by this loss. It's especially painful to lose Congressman Lewis at a moment when we need him most -- when division, fear, and anger are rampant and when we're trying to figure out how to rebuild our country better than we were before. He lived his life speaking for all of our better angels, and we will miss his singular voice."
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy: “Congressman John Lewis was the perfect example of how one person’s righteous cause can change the course of history for the better. He fought for voting rights and other civil rights for African Americans when this country was gripped by racial upheaval. However, Congressman Lewis was a part of something so much larger than one man, and our nation is once again calling for change. It is now our responsibility to carry on his legacy. In his memory of the fight for equal rights, we must now continue to fight for full equality and equity of all people, no matter the color of their skin or where they were raised."
New York State Attorney General Letitia James: “We will continue to follow the example of the great John Lewis by voting, fighting voter suppression at every turn, and standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. And of course, by getting into good and necessary trouble."
From Dr. Teresa Miller SUNY Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Chief Diversity Officer and SUNY Board of Trustees:
“SUNY joins the rest of America in mourning the passing of civil rights icon, Congressman John Lewis of Georgia. His courage and leadership served as an inspiration for a new generation of young civil rights activists who joined in the struggle for civil and human rights, and laid the foundation for today’s ongoing fight for social and racial justice."
From Scott M. Karson, president of the New York State Bar Association: “The death of John Lewis, a luminary in the Civil Rights movement, is a terrible loss for our nation. I had the privilege of hearing him speak at the 1963 March on Washington, which inspired me to pursue racial justice my entire life. Although illness forced him to the sidelines as the country confronted the death of George Floyd, his insights still galvanized his followers and touched me personally. He will be sorely missed.”
"local" - Google News
July 18, 2020 at 11:07PM
https://ift.tt/2WzqU5Z
Local leaders recall impact of John Lewis - Times Union
"local" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2WoMCc3
https://ift.tt/2KVQLik
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Local leaders recall impact of John Lewis - Times Union"
Post a Comment