When you think of people who have changed the world and really made a difference for the lives of African Americans you may think of Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Madam C.J Walker, Malcolm X. One that might not be at the forefront of your mind is Congressman and Civil Rights activist John Lewis.
Lewis worked along side A. Philip Randolph, Dr. King, Whitney M. Young Jr., James Farmer, and Roy Wilkins to organized the 1963 March on Washington
Today, at the age of 79, the longtime Democratic Congressman representing Georgia announced that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. “I have been in some kind of fight — for freedom, equality, basic human rights — for nearly my entire life. I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now,” said Lewis.
“While I am clear-eyed about the prognosis, doctors have told me that recent medical advances have made this type of cancer treatable in many cases, that treatment options are no longer as debilitating as they once were, and that I have a fighting chance.
“I may miss a few votes during this period, but with God’s grace I will be back on the front lines soon. So I have decided to do what I know to do and do what I have always done: I am going to fight it and keep fighting for the Beloved Community. We still have many bridges to cross.”
Lewis is set to begin treatment soon and we hope and pray that this is yet another fight where he comes out on top!
