Congressional Black Caucus Remembers Rep. John Lewis in Special Order Hour
On Monday, July 14, the Congressional Black Caucus, chaired by Rep. Yvette Clark, organized a “Special Order Hour” (a series of untimed speeches not exceeding a total of one hour), titled “In the Words of John Lewis” to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Congressman Lewis’s passing.
Members of Congress shared their recollections of Rep. Lewis and how he is still a source of inspiration today. They each read an excerpt from Congressman Lewis’s memoir, “Walking with the Wind.” They also quoted from his New York Times op-ed, and several of his books and speeches including “Across That Bridge” and “Carry On.”
A number of speakers spoke about Selma, “Good Trouble” and the “Beloved Community.”
They represented districts from across the country. Although many of the speakers had served with Congressman Lewis, others had been elected to Congress AFTER he had passed.
Thank you to the Congressional Black Caucus, chaired by Rep. Yvettee Clark, floor manager Rep. Jennifer McClellan and members who spoke, including Former CBC Chair Rep. Steven Horsford; Former Chair Joyce Beaty; Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi; Rep. Henry “Hank” Johnson; Rep. Terri Sewell; Rep. Alma Adams; Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman; Rep. Lucy McBath; Rep. Nikema Williams; Rep. Troy Carter; Rep. Glenn Ivey; Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove; Rep. Gabe Amo; Rep. Sanford Bishop, Jr.; Rep. LaMonica McIver; Rep. Shomari Figures and Rep. Lateefa Simon.
Initial Press Release from the Congressional Black Caucus
Washington, D.C. (July 13, 2025)—On Monday, July 14, 2025, the Congressional Black Caucus will lead a Special Order Hour on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life, legacy, and lasting impact of civil rights icon and former Congressman John R. Lewis, who faithfully served 17 distinguished terms in Congress and was a devoted member—and the moral compass—of the CBC from 1986 until his passing in 2020.
The Special Order Hour, titled “In the Words of John Lewis,” will commemorate the fifth anniversary of Congressman Lewis’s passing. It is part of a broader effort this week by the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation and the Faith & Politics Institute to carry forward the enduring legacy of both Congressman John Lewis and Lillian Miles Lewis. It comes at a time when many of the values Congressman Lewis championed—especially democracy and voting rights—are under unprecedented attack by the Trump Administration and MAGA extremism, making his legacy more urgent and relevant than ever.
“Congressman John Lewis devoted every day of his life to fighting to make our county live up to its highest ideals – to the promise that all men are created equal. From the Edmund Pettus Bridge to the halls of the Congress, “the boy from Troy” never stopped making Good Trouble. It is in that spirit that the CBC continues to fight back against hate, inequality, and efforts to undermine our democratic values,” said Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. “The example Congressman Lewis set for us all will shine bright for generations to come. This Special Order Hour is a chance to reflect on his moral clarity, his courage, and the work we must do to fulfill his vision for a better America.”
Members of the CBC and House Democratic Caucus will share personal reflections on Lewis’s leadership, his role in the Civil Rights Movement, and his decades of service in Congress as the “Conscience of the House.”
WHAT: CBC Special Order Hour Honoring John Lewis
WHEN: Monday, July 14, 2025 (After 8pm ET)
WHERE: U.S. House Floor
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As a nation, if we care for the Beloved Community, we must move our feet, our hands, our hearts, our resources to build and not tear down, to reconcile and not to divide, to love and not to hate.