Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., president and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the organization co-founded and first led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., issued the following statement today upon learning the passing of legendary civil rights leader and longtime Georgia Congressman John Lewis. Lewis, who resided in Atlanta, died Friday at the age of 80.

“John Lewis will always be known as a civil rights icon. He was a fighter and a great man that was anointed by God to stand on the bridge of Selma. He became world renown for his courage, endurance, commitment, and nonviolent approach in the fight for justice for all mankind. His collaboration with other organizations is what made the movement what it is today. That is why we have an extension and expansion of the civil rights movement through Black Lives Matter. Congressman Lewis supported Black Lives Matter as far as the concept and its meaning of justice and equality for all of God’s children. One of the reasons the SCLC has life today is because of his commitment to the organization. He supported my installment as president and CEO. Because of his close relationship with Dr. King, his support meant a lot to us, and we thank God for his leadership. But the key world when remembering John Lewis is collaboration. We are missing collaboration today in terms of the structure of all civil rights and the upward mobility in the fight for justice and equality for African Americans and poor people. Congressman Lewis will be missed. He should always be the model we use to take our movements to the next level.”