# John Lewis > American politician and civil rights leader (1940–2020) **Wikidata**: [Q45380](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45380) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lewis) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-lewis ## Summary John Lewis was an American politician and civil rights leader who served as a U.S. Congressman and was a key figure in the 1960s civil rights movement. Born in 1940, he died in 2020, leaving a legacy of activism and public service, notably as a member of the "Big Six" leaders who organized pivotal civil rights campaigns. He received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. ## Biography - **Born**: 1940 - **Nationality**: United States - **Education**: Fisk University (affiliation) - **Known for**: Leadership in the U.S. civil rights movement and career in politics - **Employer(s)**: U.S. House of Representatives (implied by congressional website) - **Field(s)**: Politics, activism, civil rights ## Contributions - Led the **"Big Six"** group of civil rights leaders in 1963, advocating for civil and political rights through activism and civic engagement. - Served as a **chairperson** in organizational efforts focused on human rights and social justice. - Contributed to legislative and policy development as a U.S. Congressman, though specific bills are not detailed in the source material. ## FAQs **Q: What was John Lewis's role in the civil rights movement?** A: He was a founding member of the **"Big Six"**, a coalition of civil rights leaders who organized major campaigns in 1963, including efforts to end racial segregation and secure voting rights. **Q: What awards did John Lewis receive?** A: He received the **Presidential Medal of Freedom**, **Wallenberg Medal**, **Profile in Courage Award**, **Spingarn Medal**, **Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights**, and others, recognizing his activism and public service. **Q: Was John Lewis affiliated with any educational institutions?** A: Yes, he was affiliated with **Fisk University**, a historically black university in Nashville, Tennessee. ## Why They Matter John Lewis was a pivotal force in advancing civil rights in the U.S., bridging activism and political leadership. His work with the **"Big Six"** helped galvanize national support for anti-discrimination legislation, while his congressional career ensured continued advocacy for equity. His legacy influenced generations of activists and policymakers, reinforcing the intersection of grassroots organizing and institutional change. Without his leadership, the trajectory of civil rights progress in the 20th century would have lacked a key strategist and moral voice. ## Notable For - Member of the **"Big Six"** civil rights leaders (1963). - Recipient of the **Presidential Medal of Freedom**, the highest U.S. civilian honor. - Awarded the **Spingarn Medal** (for outstanding achievement by an African American). - Served as a **U.S. Congressman**, representing Georgia's 5th district (implied by congressional website). - Received the **Library of Congress Living Legend Award** for contributions to American life. ## Body ### Early Life and Education John Robert Lewis was born in 1940. He was affiliated with **Fisk University**, a historically black institution in Nashville, Tennessee, though specific details about his academic credentials are not provided in the source material. ### Civil Rights Leadership Lewis emerged as a leading figure in the **U.S. civil rights movement**, distinguished by his role in the **"Big Six"**—a coalition of six prominent civil rights leaders in 1963. This group spearheaded efforts to challenge racial inequality through nonviolent activism, including marches and advocacy for federal civil rights legislation. His work centered on **civil and political rights**, emphasizing the protection of personal freedoms from societal infringement. ### Political Career Transitioning to electoral politics, Lewis served as a **U.S. Congressman**, representing Georgia's 5th congressional district. His governmental role is indicated by his official website (johnlewis.house.gov), though the source material does not specify legislative achievements. As a politician, he bridged civil rights activism with institutional governance, reflecting his commitment to **civic engagement** and systemic change. ### Awards and Recognition Lewis garnered widespread acclaim for his contributions, earning prestigious honors such as: - **Presidential Medal of Freedom** (joint-highest U.S. civilian award). - **Wallenberg Medal** (humanitarian recognition). - **Profile in Courage Award** (for political bravery). - **Spingarn Medal** (honoring outstanding African American achievement). - **Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights** (U.S. recognition for rights advocacy). - **Library of Congress Living Legend Award** (for cultural impact). Additional accolades included the **Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards**, **Inkpot Award**, **Michael L. Printz Award**, and **Sibert Medal**, underscoring his multifaceted influence across humanitarian, literary, and civic spheres. ### Legacy Lewis’s dual career as a **human rights defender** and politician solidified his status as a **"Living Legend"** and a symbol of moral leadership. His affiliation with the **civil rights movement** and subsequent legislative work ensured that his advocacy for equity remained a lifelong pursuit. Through roles such as **chairperson** of organizational initiatives and his membership in the **"Big Six"**, Lewis exemplified the power of sustained activism, leaving an indelible mark on American society and institutional progress. ## References 1. Find a Grave 2. Czech National Authority Database 3. [Source](http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=L000287) 4. [Source](https://www.congress.gov/member/john-lewis/L000287) 5. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 6. [unitedstates/congress-legislators](https://github.com/unitedstates/congress-legislators) 7. [Source](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639) 8. [Source](https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/award-recipients/john-lewis-2001) 9. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Spingarn-Medal) 10. [Source](https://www.libs.uga.edu/hargrett/lillian-smith/winners) 11. [John Lewis - Living Legends. Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/about/awards-and-honors/living-legends/john-lewis/) 12. Library of Congress to Honor "Living Legends" 13. [Source](https://www.comic-con.org/awards/inkpot) 14. [Source](https://smashpages.net/2017/05/20/march-m-a-s-k-and-more-take-home-2017-glyph-awards/) 15. BlackPast.org 16. International Standard Name Identifier 17. Virtual International Authority File 18. BnF authorities 19. MusicBrainz 20. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 21. GeneaStar 22. MAK 23. Munzinger Personen 24. [Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon who began pushing for racial justice in the Jim Crow south, has died. 2020](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/07/17/rep-john-lewis-civil-rights-icon-original-freedom-rider-has-died/795340002/) 25. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 26. [Source](https://github.com/unitedstates/congress-legislators) 27. BBC Things 28. Quora 29. The Movie Database 30. [Source](https://outreachdashboard.wmflabs.org/courses/Vanderbilt_University_Libraries/Vanderbilt_Library_Staff_Service_Wikipedia_Edit-a-thon_(Monday_January_18,_2021)/home) 31. YouTube API 32. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/john-lewis-107aIbhxjf/appearances)