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Local leaders react to death of John Lewis

Lewis died Friday evening at 80 years old. His death has prompted responses from leaders across the country, including here in Michigan.
Congressman/Civil Rights Icon John Lewis views for the first time images and his arrest record for leading a nonviolent sit-in at Nashville's segreated lunch counters, March 5, 1963.

Leaders across the state have taken to social media in response to the death of civil rights icon John Lewis. 

Lewis, a 17-term United States congressman and civil rights movement leader, died Friday at 80 years old. His death came seven months after announcing he was battling advanced pancreatic cancer.

Lewis' family released a statement following his death which said:

"It is with inconsolable grief and enduring sadness that we announce the passing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis.  He was honored and respected as the conscience of the US Congress and an icon of American history, but we knew him as a loving father and brother. He was a stalwart champion in the on-going struggle to demand respect for the dignity and worth of every human being.  He dedicated his entire life to non-violent activism and was an outspoken advocate in the struggle for equal justice in America.  He will be deeply missed."

His list of contributions and accomplishments is long; Lewis is best known as a civil rights warrior. He was a member of the "Big Six," a group of civil rights leaders who organized the 1963 March on Washington. 

RELATED: Tributes to Rep. John Lewis shared by civil rights luminaries, colleagues, celebrities across the globe

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Two years later, he helped lead a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Some 600 nonviolent protesters marched a total of 54 miles. They were attacked by Alabama state troopers and Lewis sustained injuries to his skull. The images and accounts of that day, known as "Bloody Sunday," are credited with helping pass the 1965 Voting Rights Act. 

Later, Lewis won his first congressional race in Georgia in 1986. He was reelected 16 times by a wide margin in each election to serve Georgia's 5th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press. As a congressman, Lewis continued his efforts in civil rights activism. 

Lewis' honors also include the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. 

His death has prompted responses from leaders across the country, including here in Michigan.

 Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State

Justin Amash, U.S. Representative — Michigan's 3rd Congressional District

Peter Meijer, Michigan Congressional Candidate

Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan Lieutenant Governor 

Fred Upton, U.S. Representative — Michigan's 4th Congressional District

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also released a statement about Lewis' life and death, in which she states: 

"Congressman John Lewis was a civil rights legend who stood firmly on the front lines of our nation’s history. Congressman Lewis dedicated his life to building a more just, equitable nation for Black Americans everywhere, and his unwavering commitment to public service has set an example for leaders across the country. His work with leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King transformed our nation. John Lewis was an icon, and I know that people everywhere will feel the impact of his passing. May we honor his legacy by continuing the work to fix the systemic racism Black Americans face every day and build a country where everyone, no matter the color of their skin, can find opportunity. My heart goes out to the congressman’s family and loved ones during this time.”

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