Statement by Governor Murphy on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis

“John Lewis was an activist, a statesman, and a leader.

“For 60 years, from his seat among the Freedom Riders to his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, John Lewis stirred the soul of America to live up to our greatest ideals of equality. In each and every action, large and small, John Lewis was the conscience of our nation. When he spoke, it was with authority and compassion.

“His passing leaves a tremendous void at this time in our history, as we finally begin, with earnestness, to dismantle the legacies of systemic racism which John committed his entire life to undoing. But John also knew that the movement of which he was a part from the very beginning would outlast even him, and that the next generation would continue the struggle and carry on the cause.

“Our nation and world mourn the passing of a true American icon. I mourn the passing of a role model. And, in our sorrow, let us commit to carrying on his work, and building upon the tremendous legacy which is John Lewis’ lasting gift to us all.”