March 8, 2015: President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia wait with former President George W. Bush, former First Lady Laura Bush prior to the walking across the he Edmund Pettus Bridge to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches, in Selma, Alabama, March 7, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
West End POWER today offers its deepest condolences on the passing of Civil Rights Leaders Rev. C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis. The example that they set in the fight for justice and equality is one that WEP strives hard to follow. Time after time they demonstrated their courage and tenacity to ensure that Black Americans could fully and freely participate in American Democracy and their work will not be in vain.
Rev. C.T. Vivian was a powerful and principled advocate in the struggle for justice. Whether it was helping to desegregate lunch counters in Nashville, TN, or confronting Sheriff Jim Clark on the steps of the Dallas County courthouse in Selma during a voter registration drive Rev. Vivian left a transformative legacy for justice and fairness.
Congressman Lewis, one of the original Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, speaker at the March on Washington, leader of the march from Selma to Montgomery dedicated his life to public service. His enormous impact on this country will always serve as a beacon of light to the America we can be.
While we mourn their loss, their contributions will never be forgotten. We will continue to lift up their legacies by continuing the fight for justice and equality. Our prayers extend to his family and to the many people who loved them.