Foundation named for late civil rights pioneer John Lewis

February 21st, 2022

john lewis lillian lewis foundation — John Lewis, left, and his wife, Lillian, lead a march of supporters from his campaign headquarters to an Atlanta hotel for a victory party after he defeated Julian Bond in a run-off election for Georgia's Fifth Congressional District seat in Atlanta, Ga., Tuesday night, Sept. 3, 1986. A foundation named for U.S. Rep. John Lewis and his wife has been established to further the work of the late civil rights pioneer. (AP Photo/Linda Schaeffer, File)

A foundation named for U.S. Rep. John Lewis and his wife has been established to further the work of the late civil rights pioneer.

The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation announced Monday — what would have been Lewis’ 82nd birthday — has a goal of working toward “strengthening democracy through civic engagement” and amplifying the voices of rising generations.

Linda Earley Chastang, a former chief of staff to Lewis, will serve as the foundation’s president.

“They were dedicated to creating a world in which the dignity and worth of every human being is recognized and valued,” she said.

John-Miles Lewis, son of the late couple, said his father envisioned the establishment of the foundation before his death in 2020.

“When my dad thought of this foundation, it was his vision that it would support good work, inspire good troublemaking and do its part to make the world a better place,” Lewis said.

The foundation will mark its launch in May with a gala celebration on May 17 in Washington, D.C.