Remembering the lives of civil rights champions Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Rev. C.T. Vivian

In the wake of the deaths of civil rights leaders Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Rev. C.T. Vivian, Issue One Founder and CEO Nick Penniman issued the following statement:

“Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Rev. C.T. Vivian were civil rights champions and towering leaders for social and economic justice whose lives inspired Americans for generations to fight for freedom and a truly inclusive democracy. The country has lost two civil rights icons. Their lives will inspire millions to come. Congressman Lewis was also a longtime champion of political reform and understood the corrosive influence of big money in politics. Congress would do well to honor their legacies by passing political reforms that strengthen our democratic republic and help reduce inequities in who has power, including strengthening voting rights and helping states administer safe and secure elections in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Let us all remember to make some “good trouble” as we work to create a more perfect union, one in which all Americans can participate and be heard in our system of government.”