Last week, civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis died after a long battle with cancer. Spelman College recently came forward to announce that it would be honoring his legacy with an endowed namesake scholarship worth $10,000 to five social justice fellows each school year.
“As we navigate today’s turbulent waters, we draw inspiration and courage for our challenges from the Congressman’s decades of selfless sacrifice, ardent advocacy and steadfast commitment for not just racial equality, but equity for all,” wrote Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman, in a post on the school’s website.
“Spelman was blessed to have him on our campus, engaging with our students, numerous times over the years. Just last spring he encouraged our social justice fellows to stay vigilant in the fight for truth and righteousness when the College joined the UNCF in honoring congressional lawmakers who have served as true champions and strong advocates for HBCUs and their students,” she added. “He set a stellar example of how, in his words—to get into “good trouble”—in service of justice can transform our country and the world.”