The John Lewis Funeral (Minus Trump)

The John Lewis funeral was held Thursday at the famed Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and the late congressman and civil rights icon was formally laid to rest.

Current Events
The service was attended by former US presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.  Former President Jimmy Carter did not attend due to his age and health condition but sent a note of condolence, while Mr. Obama delivering the eulogy.

“Bull Connor may be gone, but today we witness with our own eyes police officers kneeling on the necks of black Americans. George Wallace may be gone, but we can witness our federal government sending agents to use tear gas against peaceful demonstrators,” the former president said in reference to the current political climate.

“We may no longer have to guess the number of jelly beans in a jar in order to cast a ballot, but even as we sit here, there are those in power who are doing their darndest to discourage people from voting by closing polling locations and targeting minorities and students with restrictive I.D. laws and attacking our voting rights with surgical precision, even undermining the postal service in the run-up to an election that’s going to be dependent on mail-in ballots so people don’t get sick,” Mr. Obama said in what was seen as a clear dig at Donald Trump.

“You want to honor John?  Revitalize the law he was willing to die for,” he said to stirring applause.

Noticeably absent from the John Lewis funeral was Donald Trump.

“No, I won’t be going, no,” Trump told reporters when asked if he would be joining the other presidents to pay his respects. However, it’s much more likely that Trump was not invited and his absence was a gift to the Lewis family.

Realizing that his time was near, Congressman Lewis wrote an op-ed that he asked to be published in The New York Times on the day of his funeral.  His wishes were kept and his words were poignant.

.
While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society. Millions of people motivated simply by human compassion laid down the burdens of division. Around the country and the world you set aside race, class, age, language and nationality to demand respect for human dignity.

That is why I had to visit Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, though I was admitted to the hospital the following day. I just had to see and feel it for myself that, after many years of silent witness, the truth is still marching on….

…Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.

.
Watch President Obama deliver an emotional send-off to his dear friend:
.

OK WASSUP! covers Current Events:
The John Lewis funeral.