John Lewis, icon of the American civil rights movement and elected Democrat in the House of Representatives, announced Sunday, December 29, that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The diagnosis was made following a "Routine medical examination", the 79-year-old black elected official, who has repeatedly crossed paths with President Donald Trump, said in a statement.
"I have fought a few fights – for freedom, equality, basic human rights – for most of my life. I never had to face a fight like the one I have to fight now ", writes John Lewis, noting that he will seek medical treatment while continuing to represent his constituency in Georgia. "I decided to do what I can do and what I have always done: I will fight (against disease) and keep fighting for our beloved community ", continues the parliamentarian, pillar of Congress for three decades.
"I will return to Washington in the coming days to continue our work and start my treatment, which will continue in the coming weeks. I may miss a few votes during this time, but with the grace of God, I will be back on the front lines soon. "
Heir to Martin Luther King
John Lewis was a fellow traveler of the famous pacifist pastor Martin Luther King, who died assassinated in 1968. This shareholder's son was with the leader of civil rights during the August 963 rally in Washington, where the latter delivered his famous speech "I have a dream".
He also participated in Selma’s protest marches in Montgomery, conducted in southern Alabama state in 1965 in the name of black suffrage, which marked the civil rights struggle in the United States. In one of these marches, the protesters were attacked by local police and Mr. Lewis suffered a skull fracture.
Following the election of Donald Trump, he refused to attend the president's inauguration ceremony in January 2017, saying he did not "Not considered a legitimate president".
Arms deal with Donald Trump
Donald Trump then replied on Twitter, believing that John Lewis "Better spend some time helping his constituency, which is in a deplorable and disintegrating state (not to mention the crime that plagues it)", attracting very strong criticism.
Prominent Democrats have supported John Lewis, like Barack Obama. "If there is one thing I like about (John Lewis), it is his incomparable willingness to fight. I know he still has a lot in him ", the former US president tweeted.
If there’s one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, it’s his incomparable will to fight. I know he’s got a lot more of … https://t.co/5prseTALoX
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, also addressed him in a tweet. "John, know that generations of Americans have you on their minds and prayers as you face this fight. We all pray for your well-being. We know you will be fine. "
