Kweisi Mfume, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland’s 7th district, has released a statement on the passing of the Honorable John Lewis.

With the passing of John Lewis America has lost one of her greatest heroes, and I have lost an old and dear friend. John and I were sworn into the historic 100th Congress as classmates 33 years ago. The passion for equality that he carried with him throughout his life never waned, and his untiring quest for justice never faltered. With a big heart for compassion John, like his mentor Dr. Martin Luther king, was unawed by opinion, unseduced by flattery and undismayed by disaster.

Birthed in the era of Jim Crow and vile segregation he defied the limitedness of others expectations. Knowing that politics change people, he decided to change politics, and did he ever. While his victories, accomplishments, and honors are far too numerous to remember or mention, it is important to know that John just wanted to be remembered as a simple man with a fire in his belly for justice.

In an age where everyone seems to be searching for the next great thing isn’t it odd that the greatness of John Lewis was with us all along. We needed only to look as far as the latest movement for change to find it.

We are sad today, but heaven is rejoicing. John has claimed his final reward.

With deep respect,

Kweisi Mfume

WATCH:

On August 6, 2019, the iconic civil rights advocate posted the above black and white photo to his Twitter feed with this message:

“54 years ago today, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law by Pres. Johnson. Countless souls marched, protested, & stood in immovable lines so no citizen would be denied their right to vote. Now we must continue the fight to protect our democracy & redeem the soul of America.”

54 years ago today, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law by Pres. Johnson. Countless souls marched, protested, & stood in immovable lines so no citizen would be denied their right to vote. Now we must continue the fight to protect our democracy & redeem the soul of America. pic.twitter.com/DqNXeVlCAn — John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) August 6, 2019