Rep. Lilly Statement on the Passing of John Lewis

CHICAGO – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, the House Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC), issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman John Lewis:

“It is with incredible sadness that I mourn the loss of John Lewis, whose selfless fights for voting rights, political empowerment, and racial justice expanded democracy across America and brought us closer to providing justice and peace for all people.

“Without the work of John Lewis and so many others like him who fought against the authoritarianism and racism inherent to Jim Crow discrimination nationwide, many of my colleagues and I in the ILBC would not have the honor of serving the people of Illinois. He risked his life so that Black men and women across America could express themselves freely, have a voice in their government through voting, and have the opportunity to be public servants.

“In his time in public service, John Lewis fought for equality for all Americans, economic opportunity and empowerment, and continued his work to ensure that all Americans are able to have their voices heard at the ballot box. To honor the life and work of John Lewis, we must commit ourselves to protecting the voting rights of all Americans, ensuring equal rights for all people, and eliminating the scourge of racism in every aspect of our society while embedding equity throughout our communities.”

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