On Saturday, July 18, 2020, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:

“Today, we lost a friend, brother, mentor, and unwavering champion for equality for all – the Honorable John Lewis,” Congressman Al Green stated. “While it was a privilege to work with him in Congress, it was always my matchless honor to get into good trouble with him.”

Green recalls several instances of joining the late Georgia Congressman and Civil Rights icon John Lewis to advocate for much-needed change, saying, “In 2006, Congressman Lewis helped lead a protest at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, D.C., demanding an end to the genocide in Darfur. I was still a neophyte in Congress and eagerly followed his leadership in this fight. He knew the importance of taking a stand on all human rights issues even if it meant being arrested and jailed, which we were. Just seven years later in 2013, Congressman Lewis and I were arrested again as he answered the clarion call for comprehensive immigration reform by protesting resistance to legislation pending in Congress. In 2016 – after the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Congressman Lewis led a sit-in on the House Floor for many hours. I and several of my Democratic colleagues joined Congressman Lewis in this effort, seeking gun reform to prevent another hate-filled mass shooting.”

“When I think of how greatly I will miss Congressman Lewis, these are some of the many moments that occupy my thoughts. I will remember him in the trenches fighting for equality. I will remember him as a constant in the battle against systemic racism and all forms of hate in our country. I will remember him as a fearless leader who made it safe for myself and so many others to stand on the righteous grounds of human and civil rights for all.”

The Houston Congressman concluded by saying, “As long as we stand for righteousness, we’re standing with the Honorable John Lewis. Rest in peace, dear brother.”