The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation is the latest addition to the couple’s far-reaching legacy. Lilian was a high ranking official at Clark Atlanta University and was instrumental in establishing important academic programs there. Congressman Lewis continues to inspire a new generation of political leaders including Rep. Nikema Williams, who now holds the congressional seat formerly held by Lewis, and Sen. Jon Ossoff, who once worked as an intern for Congressman Lewis.
Another key piece of Lewis’s legacy is that the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is a major piece of voting rights legislation that has been debated over the past year. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson was moved to support the Voting Rights Act after witnessing Lewis and others being attacked, and the bill that bears Lewis’ name would restore parts of that law that were nullified by a 2013 Supreme Court decision that paved the way for voter suppression across the country.
The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation is dedicated to continuing the fight for voting rights and other freedoms. Lewis famously told those seeking to follow in his footsteps that they should “never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” The new foundation encourages those inspired by his life to share stories of their own activism using the #GoodTroublemakers hashtag. Among those answering the call to keep up the “good trouble” is Linda Earley Chastang, former chief of staff to Congressman Lewis, who is now serving as president of CEO of the foundation.
The foundation will officially hold a celebration on May 17 in Washington, D.C., to mark its opening. The Hill reports that foundation representatives describe the upcoming event as “a collective moment of reflection on the life and legacy of the civil rights icon John Lewis and also celebrate the Lewises’ vision and values.” Meanwhile, individuals hoping to support the foundation’s work promoting voting rights, civic engagement and more, can support the organization by connecting here.