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Friday, July 17, 2020

On the day that Breakthrough Leadership goes to press, we honor the passing of one of the great leaders of this century. As recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, John Lewis inspired these powerful words from President Barack Obama who bestowed the nation’s highest civilian honor:

Generations from now, when parents teach their children what is meant by courage, the story of John Lewis will come to mind—an American who knew that change could not wait for some other person or some other time; whose life is a lesson in the fierce urgency of now.

Mr. Lewis, an American icon of civil rights, viewed our current struggles for equity and racial justice in hopeful terms as he shared with CBS This Morning: “People now understand what the struggle was all about. It’s another step down a very, very long road toward freedom, justice for all humankind.”

On Twitter in 2018, Mr. Lewis encouraged others to follow his persistent and active engagement in the struggle:

Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.

John Lewis’s courageous life sacrifices and dedication will not be forgotten. May we collectively advance this work and his vision for the betterment of our children and humankind. We honor the life of John Lewis and mourn his passing.