Excelsior Community Remembers U.S. Rep. John Lewis
When U.S. Rep. John Lewis died on July 17, 2020, our thoughts turned to 2010, the year Excelsior College awarded him an honorary degree at Commencement.
In his remarks to the graduates and their guests, the great civil rights leader said he was taught to never, ever give up — or give in. Lewis shared that, “ … Dr. King and Rosa Parks, and many others inspired me to get in the way, to get in trouble. It was good trouble, necessary trouble.” He went on to congratulate the graduates “ … for never, ever giving up, but for keeping the faith and keeping your eyes on the prize.”
His words ring as true today as when they were spoken in July 2010.
View the video of John Lewis giving his remarks on Facebook.
