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John Lewis

Feb 21, 1940 - Jul 17, 2020 (80 years old) in Troy, Alabama, USA

John Robert Lewis (February 21, 1940 – July 17, 2020) was an American civil rights leader and politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party and was the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death. He was also the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation. The district he served includes the northern three-fourths of Atlanta.

Lewis, who as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was one of the "Big Six" leaders of groups who organized the 1963 March on Washington, played many key roles in the civil rights movement and its actions to end legalized racial segregation in the United States. He became a leader of the Democratic Party in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 1991 as a Chief Deputy Whip and from 2003 as Senior Chief Deputy Whip. He received many honorary degrees and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Known For

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Finding Your Roots
Self
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Arthur
John Lewis (voice)
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The Words That Built America
Self - Reader: The Constitution
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Enslaved
Self
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King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis
Self (archive footage)
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John Lewis: Good Trouble
Self
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National Museum of African American History and Culture Grand Opening Ceremony
Self
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Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union
Himself
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The Soul of America
Self (archive footage)
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The Obama Years: The Power of Words
Self - Congressman and Civil Rights Advocate

Credits