MA Leaders React To Death Of Civil Rights Icon John Lewis

BOSTON — The death of Civil Rights leader and longtime Georgia Congressman John Lewis brought an outpouring of tributes from leaders across Massachusetts on Twitter. Lewis, who was one of the "Big Six" leaders of the 1960s civil rights movement and spent his life fighting for racial integration, died Friday, seven months after he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Widely regarded on Capitol Hill as the moral compass of the Democratic Party caucus, Lewis, who marched with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., was 80 years old.

"Today our nation lost a giant. John Lewis didn’t just change this country, he changed the world. With unbending optimism and unyielding faith in our better angels, he spent his life fighting to make this nation kinder, stronger and more just than he found it," said Rep. Joe Kennedy. "And beyond any doubt, that’s exactly what he did during his time on this earth. Not just for Black Americans, but for all who believed that none of us will be free until we are all free."

Sen. Elizabeth Warren called him a "true American hero and the moral compass of our nation."

"May his courage and conviction live on in all of us as we continue to make good trouble for justice and opportunity," she wrote.

Related story: Civil Rights Icon Congressman John Lewis Dead At 80

One of the architects of the watershed 1963 March on Washington, Lewis was the sole surviving keynote speaker at the massive protest where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have A Dream" speech.

As news of Lewis's death spread, leaders from California to Massachusetts took to Twitter to pay tribute, many of them remembering how he inspired others to fight for justice and maintain civility.

A brother, an icon

Rep. Richard Neal, chairman of the ways and means committee called Lewis a "colleague, friend and brother who changed the course of American history."

"He was a legendary figure in the civil rights movement who I was proud to have served with for many years. The people of the United States mourn the loss of this genuine and iconic hero," he wrote.

Massachusetts leaders echoed that sentiment. Congressman Seth Moulton described Lewis as a "true American hero" and added that serving with him was one of the greatest honors of his life.

'We owe it to him'

"John is walking with the wind now, and so long as the winds of change are blowing, I hope we’ll all feel his presence," said Congresswoman Lori Trahan.

"We owe it to him to not only honor all that he gave for us, but also to pick up the mantle and complete the mission he has led for decades."

Rep. Kathrine Clark said it would be hard to imagine navigating these times without him.

"But John always told us, to keep the faith, to remain optimistic," she wrote.

Rep. Jim McGovern who protested genocide in Darfur — and got arrested— alongside Lewis said the best way to honor Lewis's legacy was to continue to work for what is right.

McGovern, like Lewis's other colleagues spoke of Lewis's "unshakable optimism and hopefulness during these challenging times... He called on all of us to rise to the occasion and do what is right, even when it is not easy."

"Despite the turbulent times that shaped him, on a personal level John was a gentle soul who used the power of his own life's experience to educate and persuade others to the cause of equality. It is said that the hardest steel must come through the hottest flame. This was true with John Lewis. He was treasure and his presence in Congress was a blessing to all who served with him," wrote Rep. Stephen Lynch. "I believe he made us all better, more compassionate representatives of all the people. "

"It took enormous courage for John Lewis to lead the life he lived—to build and strive against systemic oppression, to inspire others to fight for justice, and to hold onto hope in our darkest hours," said Sen. Ed Markey. "I have learned so much from him and am forever grateful for his leadership."

Related story: Civil Rights Icon Congressman John Lewis Dead At 80