The recent passing of civil rights activist John Lewis has prompted a slew of reactions from some of the biggest stars in the NBA.
Lewis, a United States Representative of the fifth congressional district of Georgia, has been a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement for the past decades. In December 2019, he announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He died at the age of 80.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was one of the first to react to Lewis' death, thanking the good congressman for his countless contributions to society:
Rest. In. Paradise John Lewis. #CivilRightsICON✊🏾 THANK YOU!! 🙏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 18, 2020
Thunder point guard and NBPA president Chris Paul also paid his respects to Lewis.
Thank you for keeping the dream alive all these years and paving the way for us #RIPJohnLewis 🙏🏾🕊🖤 pic.twitter.com/81lq8dDwMn
— Chris Paul (@CP3) July 18, 2020
For Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes, the 28-year-old expressed his sadness in losing one of the most prominent figures not only in the African American community but throughout the nation as well:
Tonight we lost a force in the movement who’s voice served as a guide for so many us. Rest in Power John Lewis ✊🏾 #GoodTrouble pic.twitter.com/Re14tvxM3A
— Harrison Barnes (@hbarnes) July 18, 2020
Barnes shared a photo of Lewis proudly accepting his Presidential Medal of Freedom — the highest civilian honor in the US — which was awarded to him by former President Barrack Obama.
As for newly-signed Brooklyn Nets veteran Jamal Crawford, it was a simple and straightforward message:
Rip John Lewis. Hero…
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 18, 2020
Crawford pretty much encapsulated it with his description of Lewis. He was indeed a modern day hero during a time we needed it most. The current socio-political situation in the nation has proven just how important figures like Lewis are. In his case, Lewis has always promoted non-violence, which is definitely something that we all need to be reminded of today.
Celtics big man Enes Kanter and free-agent forward Pau Gasol also commemorated the civil rights legend.
R.I.P The Civil Rights Icon
Rep. John Lewis. 💔Your legacy will live on forever. 🙏
The world is better because of you ♥️ pic.twitter.com/GkRpKpkYmD— Enes FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) July 18, 2020
Wise words from John Lewis:
“When you see something that is not right… you must have the courage to stand up, to speak up and find a way to get in the way.”
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 18, 2020
We would likewise send out our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the great John Lewis. May his legacy live on in all of us.
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