Black Caucus Lauds Rep Lewis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Black Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement on President Barack Obama awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 15 recipients, including Congressman John Lewis:

“As Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, it gives me great pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award for receiving our nation’s highest civilian honor.

“I would especially like to congratulate Congressman John Lewis for receiving this prestigious award. Throughout his life, from his days as a foot-soldier for freedom during the Civil Rights Movement in the segregated South to walking the marbled halls of Capitol Hill, Congressman Lewis has dedicated himself to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties, and building a better America of equal opportunities for all.

“Congressman Lewis has been an effective public servant with an unyielding commitment to fairness and equality, and one whose life work has been to create a more perfect union. The Congressional Black Caucus honors and salutes Congressman Lewis for his legacy of service to the residents of Georgia’s 5th Congressional District and to all citizens of the world.”