Reporters for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution were on the ground covering the funeral of Congressman John Lewis. This blog, including the video stream of the funeral, was updated all day. Here is a recap of the day.
VIDEO: Funeral procession for John Lewis leaves the church for South-View Cemetery
1:45 p.m.: Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, the final speaker
I have come here today because I, like so many Americans, owe a great debt to John Lewis and his forceful vision of freedom,” Obama said.
In his eulogy, Obama carefully reconstructed Lewis’ life, from his days growing up in Troy, to his courage in places like Selma and on the Freedom Rides, up until his dignity as a 33-year-member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“The life of John Lewis was in so many ways, exceptional,” Obama said. “It vindicated the faith in our founding. It redeemed that faith. That most American of ideas, that any of us, ordinary people without rank or wealth or title or fame can somehow point out the imperfections of this nation. And come together and challenge the status quo. And decide that it is in our nature to remake this country that we love.”
Full text of President Obama’s eulogy
Obama said that on the battlefield of justice, Americans like Lewis, Joseph Lowery and C.T. Vivian, all of whom died this year helped liberate the country. He said that Lewis treated everyone with respect because it was innate to him.
“America was built by people like that. He as much as anyone in history, brought this country a little closer to our highest ideals,” Obama said. “And someday when we do finish that long journey toward freedom, we do form a more perfect union. Whether it is year from now or decades or even if it takes another two centuries, John Lewis will be a founding father of that fuller, fairer, better America.”
Obama then shifted the tone and mood of his comments to today’s political climate. He warned that some might accuse him of dwelling on heavy issues during a celebration of life, but the crowd was with him, as evident by their cheers and shouts of the president to “preach.”
“Bull Connor may be gone, but today, we witness with our own eyes, police officers kneeling on the necks of Black Americans,” Obama began. “George Wallace may be gone, but we can witness our federal government sending agents using teargas and batons against peaceful demonstrators.”
The crowd got up and cheered.
“We may no longer have to guess the number of jellybeans in a jar to cast a ballot. But even as we sit here there are those in power who are doing their darndest to discourage people from voting by closing polling locations and targeting minorities and students with restrictive ID laws and attacking our voting rights with surgical precision,” Obama said. “Even undermining the postal service in the runup to an election that is going to be dependant on mail-in ballots so people don’t get sick.”
Obama said that Lewis knew that “every single one of us has a God-given power. And that the fate of this democracy depends on how we use it. Democracy isn’t automatic,” Obama said. “It has to be nurtured. It has to be tended to. We have to work at it. It is hard.”
“He said as long as he had breath in his body, he would do everything he could to preserve this democracy. And as long as we have breath in our bodies we have to continue his cause,” Obama said. “If we want our children to grow up in a democracy, not just with elections, but a true democracy, a representative democracy… then we are going to have to be more like John.”
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
1:39: Barack Obama just walked into Ebenezer.
Obama called it a great honor to be back at Ebenezer, in the pulpit of its greatest pastor, Martin Luther King Jr., to pay respects to perhaps his finest disciple, John Lewis.
1:34 p.m. Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Tony Award-winning singer performed the gospel standard, “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.”
It was Martin Luther King Jr.‘s favorite song. At his funeral in Ebenezer on April 9, 1968, his favorite singer, Mahalia Jackson, sung it.
1:07 p.m.: Jamila Thompson, Lewis’ congressional deputy chief of staff
Thompson said while Lewis and his staff were a well-oiled political machine, he was an instigator who stirred things up in the office to make everyone feel special and worthy.
She said he thanked everyone, even junior staffers, calling them sir or ma’am. Everyone gained weight because he always brought in food.
“He would get us in trouble with (Michael Collins, the chief of staff). Try to corner us with questions and stir things up. And with time you knew not to take the bait and would say, ‘no congressman, you not gonna get me today,” Thompson said. “And he would laugh. I think that is what I am gonna miss the most his laugh. When he would laugh from his heart, his belly, his soul.”
1 p.m.: Bill Campbell, former Atlanta mayor
The former mayor is a long-time friend of Lewis'. In 1981, they were both elected to the Atlanta City Council at the same time. Campbell spent a lot of time with Lewis during his last days.
“In the last days of his life, when we both knew that death was imminent, I desperately wanted to tell John how much he meant to me in the country,” Campbell said. “But in a solemn moment he pulled me closer and he whispered, ‘everyone has to vote in November. It is the most important election ever.’”
“Good night sweet prince and may the flights of angels carry thee to thy rest,” Campbell said.
After the service, Campbell said it was an “incredibly moving moment to have him honored in this way, but also to say goodbye to a good ‘ol, dear, loving friend.”
”I’ve been in Ebenezer many times with other presidents, but never with the majesty and the aura of, and the appreciation for, a life well lived” like Lewis’, he said.
Credit: Michael Pugh
Credit: Michael Pugh
12:45 p.m. Xernona Clayton
Clayton, the long-time Atlanta figure, first thanked the media for keeping everybody informed about the life and legacy of John Lewis.
“I’ve never seen such coverage, but John deserved it,” Clayton said.
Clayton told a story about how she introduced John Lewis to his wife, the then-Lillian Miles.
“I admired his tenacity and Lillian was single, so I decided that Lillian needed a good man. Not just he bums that were approaching her,” Clayton said. “She was highly intellectual. Well-traveled. Well-educated. And I wanted her to have someone who really would appreciate her skills and talent. So I looked around and said, ‘I like John.‘”
The problem was Lillian Miles wasn’t feeling him at the time, Clayton said. He was moving too slow.
Clayton kept working on them and hosted a dinner party on New Year’s Eve. The party was just the three of them.
“Finally Lillian said, ‘I do like him,‘” Clayton said.
Lewis and Miles got married in Ebenezer on Dec. 21, 1968.
Clayton is the godmother of Lewis’ son John-Miles Lewis. Clayton said when he was born, she was charged with taking care of him in the event of the Lewises passing.
She said she will keep that promise telling him, “I will take care of you and spank you whether you like it or not.”
Credit: Johnny Crawford
Credit: Johnny Crawford
12:37 p.m.: A message from President Carter
The Rev. Raphael Warnock reads a note from former President Jimmy Carter, expressing his condolences and saying.
Here is the full text of President Carter’s letter.
Family of Congressman John Lewis,
Rosalynn joins me in sending our condolences to all gathered today to mourn the loss of one of our nation’s great leaders. Throughout his remarkable life, John has been a blessing to countless people, and we are proud to be among those whose lives he has touched.
While his achievements are enjoyed by all Americans, we Georgians know him as our neighbor, friend, and representative. His enormous contributions will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come.
Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. We hope your warm memories and the love and prayers of your family and friends will be of comfort to you in the days ahead.
Credit: David Goldman
Credit: David Goldman
12:34 p.m.: The Rev. James Lawson, 91, who taught John Lewis and other civil rights workers in the way of nonviolence recalled Lewis and other civil rights workers and traced the issues in the early year to what is continuing to happen in the world Near the end of his speech he said: “Drink the truth of the life force. If we would honor and celebrate John Lewis’ life, let us commit…our souls, our hearts, our minds to the continuing journey to dismantle the wrong in our midst and to allow the space for the new earth and new heaven to emerge.
12:02 p.m.: U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
Pelosi said 50 members of the House, as well as senators Kamala Harris and Cory Booker were in attendance, adding that there would have been more if not for travel limitations brought on by the coronavirus.
Pelosi got emotional when she presented the flag that flew over the United States Capitol the night Lewis died.
Pelosi said she visited with Lewis over the 4th of July weekend, bringing him a replica of the intricate flag pin she wears. It is engraved: “One Country, One Destiny,” the phrase embroidered into Abraham Lincoln’s coat.
She said that when Lewis laid in state in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, it was on a platform built for Lincoln.
Pelosi said that on the last night Lewis’ body was at the Capitol, as hundreds showed up to pay their respects, a double rainbow appeared at about 8 p.m. over the casket.
“For us, we waved goodbye as he started to leave us,” Pelosi said. “He was telling us, ‘I’m home in heaven with Lillian.’ We always knew he worked on the side of the angels and now he is with them.”
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
11:45 a.m.: William Jefferson Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States
In thanking Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Clinton said she has faced more than her fair share of challenges.
“And you have faced them with candor and dignity and honor and I thank you for your leadership,” Clinton said.
He said that Lewis’ homegoing has been something to behold.
“I just loved him. I always will and I am so grateful that he stayed true to form. He has gone up yonder and left us with marching orders,” an emotional Clinton said.
“We are here today because he showed the kind of character he had when he lost an election,” said Clinton, recalling Lewis’ ouster from SNCC in 1966, the organization he founded. “John always kept walking to reach the beloved community. He got into a lot of good trouble along the way but let’s not forget – he also developed along the way an uncanny ability to heal troubled waters. When he could have been angry, and cancel his adversaries, he tried to get converts instead. He thought his open hand was better than the clenched fist.”
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
11:38 a.m.: George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States
Bush, the first president to speak, was president the last time the country authorized a voting rights act. Lewis had been trying to get the bill re-authorized when he died.
Wearing a small picture of Lewis on his left lapel, Bush thanked the Lewis family for inviting him and his wife, Laura to the funeral.
He recalled that when Lewis was a child, he would refuse to eat one of the chickens he raised after his mother would cook it for dinner.
“Going hungry was his first act of non-violent protest,” Bush said.
Bush said Lewis “always thought outward. Not inwards.”
“He always thought of others,” Bush said. “He always believed in preaching the gospel. In word and in deed. Insisting that hate and fear had to be answered with love and hope.”
Bush reminded mourners of Lewis’ work to get the National Museum of African American History and Culture built and to get the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act passed.
“We will never forget joining him in Selma, Alabama for his 50th anniversary of crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge where we got to watch President Barack Obama thank John as one of his heroes,” Bush said.
Bush also talked about Lewis’ compassion for forgiveness, acknowledging that they had disagreements. Lewis boycotted Bush’s 2001 inauguration after the contentious 2000 election.
“Listen, John and I had our disagreements of course. But in the America John Lewis fought for and the America I believe in, difference of opinion are inevitable elements and evidence of democracy in action,” Bush said to applause. “We the people, including congressmen and presidents, can have different views on how to effect our union, while sharing the conviction that our nation, however flawed, is a good and noble one. We live in a better and nobler country today because of John Lewis.”
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
11:37 am.: Introductions
“Only John Lewis could compel three living American presidents to come here to celebrate his life,” Warnock said, in introducing George W. Bush, William Jefferson Clinton and Barack Obama.
11:20 a.m.: Bernice King
Bernice King, the youngest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., before her prayer, offered condolences to Lewis’ family, including his son John-Miles Lewis.
King said that her aunt, Christine King Farris, could not attend the service because of the COVID-19 crisis.
She said that Lewis showed “us a more excellent way of life.”
“Grant us, Dear God, a double portion (of Good Trouble) until white supremacy is uprooted and dismantled and all of our policies and everyday practices and behaviors no longer favor white supremacy,” King said in her prayer. “Grant us a double portion to get in good trouble until this nation truly becomes a compassionate nation…Until black bodies are no longer a threat in this world and black lives have equitable representation, power and influence in every arena.”
Jennifer Holiday followed King with a rendition of “Only What You Do for Christ Will Last,” followed by a reading of the poem, “Invictus,” read by Tybre Faw.
“John Lewis was my hero and my friend,” Faw said after reading the poem. In 2018, the young man traveled seven hours to meet Lewis and was greeted with a hug. “Let’s honor him by getting in good trouble.”
Outside of the church, mourners were able to watch the services on a big screen.
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
11:10 a.m.: Raphael Warnock
The Senior Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church delivered the opening prayer at the funeral for John Lewis, before setting the tone.
“With so much swirling around us, we are summoned here because in a moment when there are some in high office who are much better at division than vision, who cannot lead us, so they seek to divide us,” Warnock said. “In a moment when there is so much political cynicism and narcissism that is disguised as patriotism, here lies a true American patriot who risked his life and limbs for the hope and promise of democracy.”
After Warnock spoke, church attendants disinfected the microphone. Mourners were spaced out in their seating, clearly practicing social distancing.
11 a.m.: Churches around the country chimed their bells for 80 seconds in honor of Lewis, as his funeral at Ebenezer Baptist Church is set to begin.
About 240 people, mostly Lewis family members, are inside the church.
Aside from the former presidents, those in attendance, who walked in while Senior Pastor Raphael Warnock delivered the prayer, also include Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
10:55 a.m.: The speakers
Former President Barack Obama will deliver John Lewis’ eulogy, highlighting a historic lineup of speakers.
Joining Obama as speakers will be former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Ebenezer Baptist Church Senior Pastor Raphael Warnock will officiate and Bernice King will offer a prayer.
Other speakers include James Lawson, Lewis’ nonviolence trainer when he was in college; Xernona Clayton, who introduced him to his late wife, Lillian; former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell; and family members.
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
10:45 a.m. The setting
AJC reporter Leon Stafford reports that hundreds of people turned out to Ebenezer Baptist Church on this morning to say goodbye to Congressman John Lewis. They sang “Good Trouble” and “We Shall Overcome” outside the hallowed Ebenezer Baptist Church as dignitaries slowly poured in for the services set for 11 a.m.
Former President Barack Obama Is expected to give the eulogy. “He was so special to so many of us,” Chip Joyner said of Lewis Thursday as he stood outside the church. “The movement for equality that we celebrate today, he started. I could not let the day go by without paying my last respects.” Wearing Black Lives Matter T-shirts and masks to protect others from the coronavirus, fans of the congressman lined Auburn Avenue to have their voices heard.
Some reminded those in attendance to vote, a major focus of the civil rights movement that Lewis championed. Many wore shirts with pictures of Lewis on them or other merchandise that said, “Good Trouble” or “Hero.”
10:20 a.m.: Dignitaries arriving
Congressman Al Green from Houston holds a funeral program outside of Ebenezer.
Credit: Leon Stafford
Credit: Leon Stafford
10 a.m.: Gathering
“He was so special to so many of us,” Chip Joyner said Thursday as he stood outside Ebenezer Baptist Church. “The movement for equality that we celebrate today, he started. I could not let the day go by without paying my last respects.”
Joyner was joined by his wife Carol and daughter Hudson as they waited in the Georgia heat for services to begin.
”We realize that the opportunities that we have today are because of his sacrifice,” Carol Joyner said. “We wanted to say thank you.”
Credit: Leon Stafford
Credit: Leon Stafford
Kimberly Johnson brought her kids to Ebenezer because she wants them “to be a part of this history” and learn the values Congressman Lewis promoted.
Stacey Abrams and Nikema Williams, who is replacing John Lewis on the ballot, just walked inside the church. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has also arrived.
Credit: J.D. Capelouto
Credit: J.D. Capelouto
9:32 a.m.: AJC Reporter J.D. Capelouto, as well as Maya T. Prabhu are reporting from Ebenezer Baptist Church.
9:30 a.m. Lewis family encourages “Love events” for people who can’t attend the funeral in statement
STATEMENT FROM LEWIS FAMILY
“The Lewis family is deeply appreciative of the outpouring of support demonstrated by the American people, as they mourn the loss of their father, brother and uncle. They wish that they could hug and thank each and every person, just as Rep. Lewis would stay to shake every hand no matter how long it took.”
“Even under normal circumstances, there simply is not a church big enough to hold all the people who knew and loved Rep.Lewis, but these difficult times make it especially challenging to accommodate everyone who wants to attend his services Though Ebenezer Baptist Church can fit a sizable number of people under ordinary circumstances, due to precautions necessary during the pandemic, the church will only accommodate 240 people in total, due to social distancing precautions. Half of those seats will be occupied by Rep. Lewis’s family and relatives, as it should be, and by the time congressional dignitaries and other friends are added, it leaves very little wiggle room to offer additional participants a chance to attend.”
“Given the seriousness of the pandemic, the Lewis family wants people to protect their health and encourages people who want to attend to consider organizing virtual John Lewis Love events in their homes to watch his funeral services. They also encourage well-wishers to tie a blue or purple ribbon on their front doors or in their front yards to commemorate his life and signal that your household is part of the streaming community. Thank you for your patience and understanding and for your devotion to Rep. Lewis.”
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
9:20 p.m.: Lewis arrives at Ebenezer Baptist Church
The casket holding the body of Congressman John Lewis is in place at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Lewis has been a member of the historic church since the mid-1960s, joining when Martin Luther King Jr. was the co-pastor.
AJC Washington Correspondent Tia Mitchell said folks are starting to show up outside Ebenezer Baptist Church where the funeral will be held.
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
9 a.m. at the John Lewis Mural on Auburn Avenue:
Bruce W. Griggs, the founder of Operation Correct Start of America, arrived at the mural in hopes of beating showers.
Griggs met Lewis many times and often took youth groups to Washington to meet the congressman. He said Lewis was supportive of his work and the youth. He would give them a behind the scenes look at Washington and always treated them to a barbecue meal. Griggs traveled to every place that Lewis has lived -- Troy, Washington, D.C. and now Atlanta -- with a giant card that now contains thousands of signatures.
“I was in awe of him,” said the former corrections officer. “I’ve never met anyone of his magnitude. He’s a hero. He’s a friend. And the definition of a friend is that he will never lead you into danger. The Congressman was the epitome of humble.”
Griggs said he has had interest from The National Museum of African American History and Culture to display the card.
Credit: Shelia Poole
Credit: Shelia Poole
AJC reporter Sheila Poole is at the mural and said that most people are wearing masks.
Not enough people standing around for social distancing to be an issue. They just raised an American flag at the corner of Auburn Avenue and Jesse Hill Jr. Drive.
Lisa Taylor said she had to come “to pay tribute” to Lewis. “He was a great human being.”
Credit: Shelia Poole
Credit: Shelia Poole
8:20 a.m.: State Rep. “Able” Mabel Thomas was among more than a dozen members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus who walked behind Lewis’ hearse for about a block after it left the Capitol. Then they waved good-bye as the hearse continued toward Ebenezer Baptist Church.
”It just made you think about all the work that has been done and how much more has to be done in terms of people getting in ‘good trouble,’” the Atlanta Democrat said. “If you see something, do something. And I think that ‘good trouble’ is something that we can use as a mantra, as we go forward because these are changing times.”
Thomas said she was a newly-elected state representative when she defied the establishment by endorsing Lewis in his 1986 race against Julian Bond. Lewis was the underdog but Thomas chose his side anyway.
”I said, ‘Don’t worry about it. The Lord say go with John Lewis, and so I went with John Lewis and the rest is history,” she said.
8:10 a.m.: Led by state Rep. Calvin Smyre and state Sen. Ed Harbison, both Columbus Democrats who are the longest-serving legislators in their respective chambers, members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus escorted the hearse carrying John Lewis off of Capitol grounds.
Harbison said it was important for the “two deans” - longest serving members - of the Senate and House chambers to lead today’s farewell of John Lewis.
”I’m just honored to be able to walk behind him, say farewell, I love you, brother, God bless you, you are a great inspiration to another generation,” Harbison said. “John Lewis was a great American.”
7:40 a.m.: This morning, John Lewis’ staff released a letter that the congressman wanted to be released on the day of his funeral, which will begin at 11 a.m.
In it, Lewis said that “Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.”
Read the full essay here.
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
7 a.m.: A handful of people had already gathered at the John Lewis Mural on Auburn Avenue. Olu Burgess, a security consultant from the Augusta area, was taking photos to send to relatives back in Washington, D.C.
He called Lewis an American hero whose work he hoped would influence his nephews.
”He’s our hero. He’s our warrior and celebrating him is extremely important,” he said stressing that Lewis’ work not only benefitted African Americans but all Americans.
Chef Kenneth Willhoite was setting up to feed the media covering the day’s event. “We’re showing southern hospitality at its best, " said Willhoite, founder and executive director of the Soul Food Museum. Willhoite said he used to cook for Lewis, the Rev. CT Vivian and the Rev. Joseph E Lowery.
Credit: Shelia Poole
Credit: Shelia Poole
In 2008, after Barack Obama was inaugurated as America’s first Black president, he signed John Lewis’ program with: “It’s because of you, John. Barack Obama.”
Four years later, at the 2012 inauguration, Obama spied Lewis and whispered to him: “It is still because of you.”
Today, Obama will eulogize Lewis at his funeral.
Bill Clinton and George W. Bush also plan to attend Lewis’s funeral to celebrate the long-time legislator and civil rights legend.
A spokeswoman for Jimmy Carter said the 95-year-old Georgia-born president would not be traveling but would send a letter of condolences.
Carter said Lewis made an “indelible mark on history through his quest to make our nation more just.”
On Monday, when Lewis’ body laid in state in the rotunda of the United States Capitol President Donald Trump declined to pay his respects telling reporters: “I won’t be going, no."
In 2006, at the funeral of Coretta Scott King, four former presidents -- Carter, Bush, Clinton and George H.W. Bush -- spoke. Obama, then a senator, attended.
Lewis’ funeral will be by invitation only. Partly because of coronavirus concerns and partly because everybody who wanted to attend would never be able to fit into the 2,000-seat Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Credit: Tia Mitchell
On Wednesday night, thousands of people stood in line late into the evening for a chance to view Lewis’ casket in the rotunda of the Georgia State Capitol Building.
By 8:45 p.m., authorities had to redirect the line toward Memorial Drive in an effort to keep the back of the line from completely enveloping the Capitol. Shortly after 10 p.m. officers cut off the line outside the building and put up barricades.
When people refused to get out of line, the Capitol reopened the doors, and an estimated several hundred more people who had doggedly remained began filing in again.
Earlier, Gov. Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms spoke at a public ceremony at the Capitol followed by the public viewing.
Also, Lewis’ fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma and his lodge, the Prince Hall Freemasons held individual ceremonies for him.
Credit: Ben Gray
Credit: Ben Gray
Lewis had been a member of Ebenezer since the mid-1960s. On Dec. 21, 1968 he married Lillian Miles in Ebenezer in a small ceremony conducted by Martin Luther King Jr.’s father, the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr.
The 134-year-old Ebenezer is one of the most historically significant churches in the country, along with the National Cathedral in Washington and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York and is one of Atlanta’s most visited sites as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Site.
