Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Statement on the Death of U.S. Rep. John Lewis

Flags on All City Buildings will be Lowered in Honor of U.S. Rep. John Lewis

The following is Mayor Sylvester Turner’s statement on the death of Civil Rights Icon, Rep. John Lewis.

“Today, flags will be lowered to half-staff at Houston City Hall and all City of Houston buildings to honor late United States Congressman John Lewis. He may have been elected by a single congressional district in Atlanta, Georgia, but his life of service impacted all of us. I thank Rep. Lewis for uplifting and inspiring a generation.

“Rep. Lewis was a warrior in the fight for civil rights. He was an honorable man who exuded grace and dignity while he fought passionately for racial equality and justice for all.

“From his days marching with Dr. King to the many times he was arrested and beaten for daring to protest segregation, Rep. Lewis never lost his faith, courage, or commitment to fight for freedom.

“During his service and leadership in the U.S. Congress, Rep. Lewis was a champion for uplifting people and advocated for affordable housing, fair pay, education, voting rights and so much more.

“In 2019, I invited Rep. Lewis to be the Grand Marshal of the City – Black Heritage Society MLK Day Parade, and he honored Houston with his time and wisdom. He challenged us to be brave, to be bold, and never to give up.

“In the coming days, the lights of Houston City Hall, Montrose Bridges, and other buildings will be lit red, white, and blue in memory of Rep. Lewis, an American Hero.

“May he rest in power.”