Spelman College is launching a scholarship fund to honor the life and legacy of the late Rep. John Lewis.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the fund will award five Social Justice Fellows a one-time amount of $10,000. Moreover, the scholarship will be awarded every year, says Spelman College President Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D.

“Spelman College intends to name an endowed scholarship after Congressman Lewis to celebrate his life,” Campbell said in a statement. “We believe that the best way to honor Congressman Lewis is to lift up those who are carrying out his work.”

John Lewis loved Black people unconditionally and he loved justice just as much. The world has lost a valiant social justice warrior. Spelman College intends to name an endowed scholarship after Congressman Lewis to celebrate his life: https://t.co/nOfEIV0GLA pic.twitter.com/54opcqNRaB

— Spelman College (@SpelmanCollege) July 18, 2020

The late civil rights activist and hero dedicated his life to fighting for racial justice, urging social activists, especially the youth, to get into “good trouble.” His congressional district included the HBCU campus, where Lewis frequented to speak.

“Spelman was blessed to have him on our campus, engaging with our students, numerous times over the years,” she said. “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.”

Rep. John Lewis passed away from pancreatic cancer on Friday, July 17, 2020.

social justice fellows

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