The world lost a true leader this week with the passing of civil rights activist and environmentalist, Dr. John Lewis. He will always be remembered as a champion for justice, equality, and the environment. Throughout his life, he showed us that these three seemingly different issues are interconnected and must be addressed together.
Born in 1940 in Troy, Alabama, Dr. Lewis faced discrimination and segregation from a young age. But he refused to let that hold him back. He became an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders to fight against segregation and racial injustice. His bravery and determination were evident when he led the historic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama in 1965, known as Bloody Sunday. This event brought national attention to the issue of voting rights for African Americans and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act later that year.
But Dr. Lewis didn’t stop there. He saw the link between racial segregation and environmental injustice. In the 1980s, he turned his attention to the issue of pollution, particularly in poor and minority communities. He saw that these communities were often the ones who bore the brunt of industrial pollution, with toxic waste sites and chemical plants located in their neighborhoods. He knew that this was not a coincidence and that these communities were often ignored and overlooked because of their race and socioeconomic status.
Dr. Lewis understood that these issues were not isolated, but rather, they were all connected. He saw that segregation and discriminatory policies not only affected people’s access to education and job opportunities, but also their health and quality of life. He believed that everyone, regardless of race, should have the right to clean air, water, and land.
In 1992, Dr. Lewis co-sponsored the Environmental Justice Act, which aimed to address environmental discrimination and ensure that all communities have equal protection from environmental hazards. He also worked to establish the Congressional Black Caucus Environmental Justice Braintrust, which focused on environmental issues affecting communities of color.
Dr. Lewis also understood the importance of political power in addressing these issues. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for Georgia’s 5th congressional district for over 30 years, becoming known as the “conscience of the Congress.” He used his position to advocate for environmental justice and fought for legislation to protect the environment and promote clean energy.
His tireless efforts were recognized when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 and the Liberty Medal in 2014. But to Dr. Lewis, these awards were not just personal achievements, but rather a representation of the work that still needed to be done. He believed that the fight for justice and equality was ongoing and that everyone had a role to play in creating a better future.
Dr. John Lewis will always be remembered as a visionary leader who fought for civil rights, environmental justice, and political power. He showed us that these issues are not separate, but rather, they are all a part of the larger fight for equality and a better world. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to stand up for what is right and to never stop fighting for a better future for all.
In his own words, “We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.” Let us honor Dr. Lewis’ legacy by continuing the fight for justice, equality, and a cleaner, greener world. Rest in power, Dr. John Lewis. Your impact will never be forgotten.
