WASHINGTON, DC — The following is a statement from Muslim Advocates Executive Director Farhana Khera on the passing of Congressman John Lewis:

“When the newly-enacted Muslim Ban was sowing chaos and fear in the Muslim community, John Lewis went to Atlanta’s airport to demand answers. When immigration officials refused to tell him how many people were being detained, he calmly said ‘why don’t we just sit down and stay a while.’

John Lewis showed up for my community because that was what he always did wherever he saw an injustice. He was a civil rights icon because he always led with fearless courage and determination—a model for all of us and our nation’s moral conscience. We must carry his legacy forward by continuing to show up, making ‘good trouble’ and fighting bigotry wherever it exists.”

Muslim Advocates is a national civil rights organization working in the courts, in the halls of power and in communities to halt bigotry in its tracks. We ensure that American Muslims have a seat at the table with expert representation so that all Americans may live free from hate and discrimination. 

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