Statement from CEO Barbara Stewart on the Passing of John Lewis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Barbara Stewart, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, issued the following statement: 

“Congressman Lewis’s life was a living example of what it means to serve others and a cause greater than self. He believed that our country had the potential to create the “beloved community” where we respect the dignity and the worth of every human being, and he never stopped working towards that goal.  

Congressman Lewis was a longtime friend of national service. In 1977, he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to direct more than 250,000 volunteers of ACTION, the federal volunteer agency that preceded the Corporation for National and Community Service. 

As a member of Congress, he continued to promote service and volunteerism. He worked with Sen. Harris Wofford to pass the King Holiday and Service Act of 1994, so the federal holiday would be honored as a national day of service – “a day on, not a day off” – when all Americans are encouraged to go out and give back to their community.

The national service family mourns the passing of Congressman John Lewis and  we send our condolences to his family, colleagues, staff, and all who loved and admired him.”