John Lewis - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | February 23, 1942 |
|---|---|
| Died | March 29, 2001 (age 59) |
| Birthplace | Troy, Alabama, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Chinese Zodiac | Horse |
| Generation | Silent Generation |
| Known For | Civil rights leadership, U.S. Congressman for Georgia, March on Washington, Selma to Montgomery marches |
Intro
John Lewis was an influential American civil rights leader and politician who played a key role in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. He served as the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020 and is widely recognized for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, especially as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
Early Life & Background
John Robert Lewis grew up in rural Alabama, the son of sharecroppers. Exposed to segregation and racial injustice from an early age, he was inspired by the activism surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s work. He attended the American Baptist Theological Seminary and Fisk University in Nashville, where he became deeply involved in the burgeoning civil rights movement.
Career Highlights
- Chairman of SNCC from 1963 to 1966
- One of the 'Big Six' leaders of the Civil Rights Movement
- Speaker at the 1963 March on Washington
- Led the 'Bloody Sunday' march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma in 1965
- Served as U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district (1987–2020)
- Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011
Trivia
- He was arrested more than 40 times while protesting for civil rights.
- His nickname was 'the conscience of the U.S. Congress.'
- He was awarded numerous honorary degrees and national honors during his lifetime.
FAQs
People also ask
When was John Lewis born?
John Lewis was born the 23 February 1942.
Where is John Lewis from?
Troy, Alabama, USA.
On His Birth-Day
About February 23rd, 1942, in brief:
- Historical events: The Japanese submarine I-17 fired upon an oil refinery in Ellwood, California, representing the first direct attack on the Continental United States during World War II. This incident heightened fears of potential further enemy incursions on American soil.
- Day of the week: February 23rd, 1942 was a Monday
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces (in western zodiac), Horse (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: First Quarter
- Popular movie: Black Swan directed by Darren Aronofsky
Check the link for more news and curiosities on February 23rd, 1942.