February 16, 2011 | 3:35 | Public Domain

Since 1987, John Lewis has represented Georgia's 5th congressional district, which encompasses most of Atlanta. From age 18 when he met Martin Luther King, Jr., Lewis played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. He was the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee(SNCC) and was the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington. From organizing the first lunch-counter sit-in, participating in the Freedom Rides to the legendary Marches on Washington and from Selma, AL to Montgomery, AL Lewis braved police brutality and physical violence in the name of civil rights. Here, Congressman Lewis reflects upon his work and what receiving this medal signifies to him.

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