CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Illinois Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton is among those remembering Georgia Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis. Lewis, 80, died July 17 after battle with pancreatic cancer.
Stratton told WBBM her family has a personal connection to Lewis and his work.
"Seeing that processional across the Pettis Bridge was very emotional for many people who understand the legacy of John Lewis. I had the good fortune of meeting him when he was in Bronzeville -the community where I live - talking about voting rights - but my dad has also told the story that he was one of the ones who marched from Selma to Montgomery with John Lewis in 1965," Stratton said.
Related:
- Body of civil rights icon John Lewis crosses Selma bridge
- Alabama Salutes Native Son Rep. John Lewis
- Georgia Congressman, Civil Rights Icon John Lewis Dead at 80
Stratton also said she was struck by the pride and dignity of the processional. She said Lewis "was only trying to make sure that people who look like me have access to voting rights, same as my Dad...and so many others. And now today we see so many people out in the streets protesting and fighting for freedom and equal justice for all and I think it's a poignant moment in our history."
Stratton, 54, is the first African-American woman to become Illinois' lieutenant governor.
