To the family of the Honorable Representative John Lewis: We the Harrell Family would like to extend our condolences to the family as we share these words: We thank God for the boy who got in the way from Troy, Alabama. Mr. John Lewis you not only got in the way but, you stayed there and helped to make a better way for younger Afro-Americans that included our parents and now the many generations that would follow also to include today. You were beaten, knocked unconscious along with knocked off your feet at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Your courage, belief and faith allowed you to get back up and complete the walk with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others who persisted until you finally made it a cross that bridge in Selma, Alabama. So many beautiful faces without a name who not once or ever complained, they along with you got up over and over again. Since that day in in history this generation has found itself beneath the wings of change. You have made history once more, for now you have made it across the bridge where you can now take your rest. You have left a legacy along with a lifetime of memories that will always live and never die. Oh, how beautiful it must be as you now take your rest, you can now sit where you please along with all the others who are now able to see the completed work that you have done and the difference that it has helped to make in the world today. Thank you for the countless hours of work both night and day leaving a light so bright that it leads us into yet another day. As you enter into your rest for now, just know that the fight will continue for minorities and all others, because you left the world in a better place and not as it used to be. We are forever grateful for you for getting in the way. It is because of great men like you, that we can now march our way into places down here where so many other innocent men and women had to die. Today, our family salutes you and we now say,” fight on good soldier, fight on, fight on for this is not goodbye, it is until we meet again.”

Shortly after I became a United States Citizen I had the honor of voting for John Lewis to represent me in the 5th District. It was not just a vote, but a thank you to a man who had already represented me when I was an immigrant in this country. Thank you John Lewis.

I didn't know you personally but I wish I did because what I know of you from hearing you speak and seeing how you have dedicated your life to helping others, it would have been a great honor to be in your presence. I greatly admire the unbelievably courageous things you did in your life! I so admire your peaceful, loving, but fierce demeanor and dedication. I love your acts of, and call for, "good" trouble. I am a (privileged) white American woman who is so grateful for how you have spent your life fighting and working to make this country and world a better place for ALL people! Thank you so very much!!! Bless you and your family!

I had the honor of helping with Mr. Lewis's re-election as a middle school student in the 1990's. My mother and I stuffed envelopes and did anything else that needed to be done to help with his campaign. After his victory we were invited to his birthday celebration where I met him for the first time. He was very kind in speaking with my mother and I and even invited me for a congressional tour when I told him that I would be in D.C. that summer. I am grateful for John Lewis for his courage and sacrifice. For fighting the good fight for equality for all. I marched with him in 2017 in downtown Atlanta and stood just a few feet from him as he spoke beforehand. When I cast my vote this fall, I will do it with even more gratitude than ever before and I'll do it in honor of John Lewis. A remarkable human. Rest in Power, Mr. Lewis. Well done, sir.

I send my deepest condolences to Mr. John-Miles Lewis and members of the extended Lewis family. I had the pleasure of working an internship in the Congressman's Atlanta and D.C. offices during the summer of 1990 while at Morehouse. Congressman Lewis had recently introduced legislation calling for the creation of a national African-American Museum of History and Culture. This project interested me greatly so I submitted an application for a summer position. I was called into the District Office for an interview with the Chief of Staff and the Congressman. I remember leaving that interview thinking, "Wow, what an inspiring man. And he is so personable, warm and down-to-earth". In subsequent years until quite recently, I crossed paths with Mr. Lewis on various occasions and every single time he would greet me just as warmly as he first did in 1990 and would always call me by name. What a remarkable memory and a remarkable spirit! Thank you, Congressman Lewis, for your fortitude, resilience and personal sacrifice in dedicating the full measure of your life to endeavoring to eradicate the never-ending menace of injustice in America and for demonstrating the true meaning of love. We will miss you and will never forget you.

Thank you Sir for your courages fight for equality for our Black brothers and sisters and the LBGTQ community. You are one of my hero's. Fly high watch over us all as we still have to fight for civil rights. Rest in Peace.

To My Hero John Lewis, I remember it like it was yesterday. Well, actually it was September 28, 2019. I attended a camp out with the King Center Leadership Academy. We played games and enjoyed food and music. One of the staff members called everyone around the campfire to tell us that a special guest will be visiting and spending time with us. At the time it was a surprise on who it was. Sometime later we found out it was one of the Civil Rights Leaders, Congressman John Lewis. Immediately everyone got excited due to the fact that we were going to meet one of the men who talked, walked, and marched with Dr. King during the Civil Rights Era. An hour later, Congressman John Lewis finally arrived. He talked to us about changing America for future generations to live in a country where they are accepted. He even gave us his book called, “March : Book Three.” After he spoke to us, everyone got a chance to have a one and one conversation and take a picture with Congressman Lewis. Congressman Lewis : “How are you doing young lady?” “What is your name?” Me : I’m well Mr. Lewis, I am Vanna and I want to thank you for your service and for being an inspiration for change.” Congressman Lewis : “ Thank you Vanna, just remember, you are the future for change in this country.” And just like that, we took a picture and said our goodbyes. Before he left, he promised to come back and sign our books. To me, Congressman John Lewis was a man that did not back down to try and change the world. He is known for the pathway he created for freedom and the services he did for his people. He marched so every generation after him could walk freely into any building regardless of race. Congressman John Lewis, I want to personally thank you for everything you accomplished and for lighting the torch to guide the next generation of leaders wanting to change. #GoodTrouble

To the Family of Mr. Lewis: Sincere condolences in the loss of our servant leader. He was such a valiant fighter for justice, spoke truth in Congress and kept the country apprised of injustices. He will be missed; however, I pray that his huge legacy continues. Personally, I commit to follow his example to cause #goodtrouble as we work for Justice for all--especially in our African-American communities. Rest in Power, you have finished YOUR race Congressman Lewis!

In Celebrating your Life n Representing people like me,We are going to Miss You 😘 Deep Hearted Sympathy To your Family!Thank you for Sharing Truth To Power. Amen 🙏 and Praise God for John yes and your Strength. Lovingly Mrs .JoAnn Henry Ruquet.Comummunity Activist, 1199 Hospital Union Leader, Democratic StateCommitee Woman

My Friend my Phi Beta Sigma Brother impacted my life and so many. I will miss you my friend my Brother. Thank you for being you. To family I will do my part to work for causes he worked for. 27th and 29th International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc