Spelman College Creates Scholarship To Honor Legacy of Civil Rights Giant John Lewis

A worthy honor.

Spelman College announced that they will be creating an endowed scholarship in honor of the late Congressman John Lewis.

The revered civil rights icon passed away earlier this week after battling cancer. Spelman College, a historically Black university located in Lewis‘ hometown of Atlanta,Georgia, announced that the namesake scholarship worth $10,000 would be given to five social justice fellows annually.

“As we navigate today’s turbulent waters, we draw inspiration and courage for challenges from the Congressman‘s decades of selfless sacrifice, ardent advocacy and steadfast commitment for not just racial equality, but equity for all. We believe that the best way to honor Congressman Lewis is to lift up those who are carrying out his work,” Mary Schmidt Campbell, President of Spelman, wrote in a statement.

Lewis visited the campus many times over the years, the last visit being during a UNCF event last spring honoring congressional lawmakers. During his visit, he spoke to the social justice fellows, encouraging them to continue to get in that good trouble he preached so much about, in service of justice for all. 

Spelman’s  student government association tweeted after the icon’s passing calling him “a force to be reckoned with [and] a true hero to us all.”

May the outpouring of love and honor for a life so well lived continue.

Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Moorhead/CNN