Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate passed U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock’s (D-GA) bipartisan bill to honor late civil rights icon and Georgia statesman, U.S. Congressman John Lewis. Senator Warnock’s legislation will rename the Atlanta Main Post Office at 3900 Crown Road SW the “John R. Lewis Post Office Building.” Reps. Nikema Williams (D-GA-05) and Buddy Carter (R-GA-01) introduced the companion legislation in the House, which passed in February. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“I was John Lewis’s pastor, but he was my mentor. John Lewis was a giant in the face of adversity and injustice, putting his life on the line for our freedoms and committing his life to protecting the right to vote. It is a privilege to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to honor him. In remembrance of his legacy, I will continue working to ensure all Georgians, and Americans, have an equal voice in our democracy and society,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
“Congressman Lewis was my friend, mentor, and predecessor and every day in Congress I am building on his legacy. The sacrifices Congressman Lewis made paved the way for me to serve Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. Renaming the Fifth Congressional District’s main United States Post Office facility after Congressman Lewis ensures that he will continue to serve the people in perpetuity,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams.
“From his early days fighting segregation in Nashville to the Freedom Rides to his service in the halls of Congress, John Lewis dedicated his life to creating a more perfect union. I am proud to work with Representative Williams and the entire Georgia Congressional Delegation to honor his service and sacrifice. I cherish the talks we had walking to and from votes and will never forget John’s unyielding optimism and faith in the American Dream,” said Congressman Buddy Carter.
“The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, Inc is pleased and very proud to support the legislation to name the Atlanta Main Post Office in honor of Congressman John Lewis. What an honor! And how excited and appreciative Congressman Lewis would be to be recognized in this way for his support of the U.S. Postal Service, its half million workers around the country and in particular, its Atlanta Main Post Office employees! Congressman Lewis often visited the facility at 3900 Crown Road SW to greet and thank the dedicated employees of the Postal Service for their work and service. He knew that the work was not always easy and that it could sometimes be quite challenging. He also knew that the Postal Service is a vital part of our nation’s business and social infrastructure and that the work of the men and women of the Postal Service is vitally important,” said Linda Earley Chastang, Interim President, the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation.
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