Born near Troy, Alabama, on February 21, 1940, John Lewis grew up in an era of segregation. One of the "Big Six" leaders of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's, John Lewis has continued to fight for people's rights since joining Congress in 1987.Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., he joined the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. Lewis was a Freedom Rider, spoke at 1963's March on Washington and led the demonstration that became known as "Bloody Sunday." He was elected to Congress in 1986 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
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