Funeral services will be held this morning for longtime U.S. Representative John Lewis. He died at his home in Atlanta on July 17 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Lewis dedicated his life to fighting for justice and human rights for all. According to congressional historians, Lewis was the first African American lawmaker to lie in state inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. The same tribute to Lewis was held in capitol buildings in Alabama and Georgia.
John Lewis was among the voting rights advocates who were severely beaten in Selma, Alabama on March 7, 1965. It is known as “Bloody Sunday”.
Three former U.S. Presidents are among the dignitaries that are invited to today’s private funeral service. Former President Barack Obama, who awarded Rep. Lewis the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom, will deliver the eulogy.
V103 News has also confirmed that former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are also invited.
The funeral will be held at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, which was the home church of Rep. Lewis’ mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How to watch John Lewis' funeral
What: Funeral for civil rights icon John Lewis
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2020
Time: 11 a.m. ET
Location: Ebenezer Baptist Church Horizon Sanctuary in Atlanta, Georgia
Online stream: Listen live on V-103 or HERE, the RADIO.COM APP, or watch in the player above
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lewis will be buried at South-View Cemetery which was founded in 1886 by former African American slaves. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was buried at the cemetery before being moved to the King Center.
Funeral ScheduleRep. John Lewis’ funeral schedule is as follows:• 8:00 AM The body of Rep. John Lewis leaves the Georgia Capitol • 8:30 AM The body of Rep. John Lewis arrives at Ebenezer Baptist Church• 10:00 AM Doors Open• Prelude begins with Monica Hargrave• 10:15 AM Seating of Guests & Dignitaries • 10:30 AM Seating of Extended Family • 10:45 AM Prelude continues with Trey Clegg• 10:55 AM Processional of Family-John Miles Lewis & Siblings and Spouses of Rep. Lewis• 11:00 AM Program Begins -Call to Celebration-EBC Pastor Dr. Raphael Warnock• 11:02 AM Invocation-Rev. Dr. Bernice King, CEO, The King CenterNOTE: I’ve attached the item provided if you’d to contiune adding to this• 12:30 PM Recessional
Road ClosuresThe Atlanta Police Department has announced the following street closures for Rep. Lewis’ funeral:Thursday, 7/30/20209:30 am – 1 pmStreet shutdown in the area around Ebenezer Baptist ChurchEastern Border – BoulevardNorthern Border – Irwin StreetSouthern Border -EdgewoodWestern Border – Jesse Hill No access to the streets inside perimeterVehicles can’t go inside the areaThe area will be open to pedestrians