History The Civil Rights Movement Questions Medium
John Lewis played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement as a prominent leader and activist. He was one of the "Big Six" leaders of the movement and served as the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) from 1963 to 1966. Lewis was instrumental in organizing and participating in numerous nonviolent protests and demonstrations, including the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered a powerful speech advocating for civil rights.
Lewis also played a crucial role in the voting rights struggle. He led the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965, known as Bloody Sunday, which aimed to draw attention to the denial of voting rights for African Americans. The violent response from state troopers and the media coverage of the event helped galvanize public support for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Throughout his life, John Lewis remained a steadfast advocate for equality and justice. He continued to fight for civil rights as a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Georgia's 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020. Lewis's unwavering commitment to nonviolence, his bravery in the face of adversity, and his tireless efforts to secure equal rights for all Americans make him an iconic figure in the history of the Civil Rights Movement.