McGovern Statement on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis

Worcester, July 18, 2020
John was a great man, but more importantly he was a very good man. He was a champion for justice and equality who challenged the conscience of our country and called America to a higher standard. I am humbled to have worked alongside him and heartbroken by his passing.

WORCESTER, MA –  Congressman Jim McGovern, Chairman of the House Rules Committee, issued this statement on the passing of civil rights hero John Lewis:

“John was a great man, but more importantly he was a very good man. He was a champion for justice and equality who challenged the conscience of our country and called America to a higher standard. I am humbled to have worked alongside him and heartbroken by his passing.

“John believed in good trouble – that all of us must find the moral courage to get in the way and do something when we see something that is wrong. I will never forget getting arrested alongside John in front of the Sudanese Embassy as we protested the genocide in Darfur, or being part of a sit-in on the House Floor with him as we protested inaction in the face of gun violence. 

“Nor will I ever forget John’s unshakeable optimism and hopefulness during these challenging times. John often spoke of a struggle that lasts beyond a single day, week, month or year. He called it the struggle of a lifetime – but it was never his fight alone. He called on all of us to rise to the occasion and do what is right, even when it is not easy.

“Today, we celebrate John’s memory. His work will stir hearts and spark change for generations to come. But tomorrow, we pick up the baton, we fight for justice, and we keep making good trouble. That is the best way for us to honor his legacy.”