Rep. John Lewis of Georgia will be the first Black lawmaker to be laid to rest in the state capitol. His six-day celebration ended in Washington, DC on Monday.
What We Know:
- Lewis died of pancreatic cancer on July 17, 2020. He is considered to be one of the longest living Civil Rights leaders and icons. He also served as a U.S. Representative of Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District beginning in November 1986.
- To be laid in the state capitol is a tribute reserved for the most distinguished government officials and military officers and lying in honor is a distinction given to private citizens. Rosa Parks and Officer Jacob J. Chestnut Jr. are among two other African Americans who have been laid in honor. Lewis is now laying in the state capitol following an invitation-only arrival ceremony.
- A public viewing was held outside the Capitol as a safety precaution due to the coronavirus pandemic. Lines to view Lewis’ body stretched blocks leading all the way to the Supreme Court building. His funeral procession passed by historical landmarks such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the Black Lives Matter Plaza. His body also passed by a mural painted of him on Sunday, June 7th during his last public visit which said “a powerful work of art”.
- Although the public and other city officials paid their respect to Lewis, President Trump stated that he will not be paying his respects as he lies at the US Capitol. He offered his condolences of Lewis’ passing on Twitter. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife paid their respects to Lewis.
A celebration of Lewis’ life started on July 25th in Alabama, Georgia, and Washington D.C. He will be laid to rest in the US Capitol on Wednesday.
