The Rev. Joseph Lowery died peacefully at his Atlanta home on Friday night, surrounded by his daughters, according to a statement by the Joseph & Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights.

The civil rights icon and co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was 98. Lowery made his mark in the 1950s and 1960s as a key civil rights leader at the shoulder of Martin Luther King Jr.

» RELATED: Remembering the Rev. Joseph Lowery

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On Saturday, fellow activists, political leaders and admirers of the legend’s work reacted to the loss by sharing quotes and memories.

» RELATED: Civil rights legend Rev. Joseph Lowery has died

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Michael Bahsil as the titular character in "Young John Lewis." (Courtesy of Casey Gardner Ford)

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Aerial photo shows demonstrators holding signs to oppose Trump’s immigration policies during “No Cake for False Kings” protest on the 17th Street NW Bridge, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

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