National CASA/GAL Association salutes civil rights icon, Congressman John Lewis, and others for their contributions

STATEMENT

Contact: Necole Merritt, necolem@nationalcasagal.org, 206-279-4283

National CASA/GAL association salutes civil rights icons and their contributions

National CASA/GAL Association for Children mourns the recent loss of three of our most noted civil rights icons and leaders in the Civil Rights Movement – Rev. Cordy Tindell (C.T. ) Vivian, Congressman John Lewis, and in the spring of this year, Dr. Joseph E. Lowery. All of these men fought tirelessly to create justice, and equal rights for all of us in order to make our nation a better place for everyone.

These three giants will be missed for their vigorous pursuits of justice, and will always be recognized for the indelible imprint they are leaving behind on the past, present and future of our society.

National CASA/GAL had a special connection to Congressman Lewis through his longtime support of our work for the nation’s most vulnerable children. The same tenacity that he applied to fighting for social justice for those who were disenfranchised, is the same tenacity that he applied to supporting issues related to improving the lives of children and families.

Congressman Lewis’ fight for equality, and the never ending fight against social injustice, intersected with the issues that disproportionately impact children who are in the foster care system. He was an ardent supporter of causes for the children we serve, and regularly used his voice to advocate for important issues, programs and funding. Congressman Lewis was also a leader in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights, and demonstrated his support in a variety of ways to advance that movement.

Congressman Lewis elevated these issues by taking a stand on important caucuses and committees like the Congressional Caucuses on Foster Youth and Missing and Exploited Children, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, and supporting the National CASA/GAL’s federal appropriation. Congressman Lewis used his position of power on the House Ways and Means’ Human Resources Subcommittee to protect valuable programs serving children and their families, many of whom we serve.

“We are forever grateful for the important contributions Congressman Lewis made in creating a more just nation, and the changes he made to support and advance our work of best interest advocacy so that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive,” said Tara Perry, CEO, National CASA/GAL Association for Children. “Congressman Lewis’ voice and tenacity will be missed, but his legacy will live on forever in the work of organizations like National CASA/GAL, and the children that our work touches.”

Today and beyond, we celebrate, and show our gratitude to the lives and legacies of Congressman Lewis, Rev. Vivian and Dr. Lowery. We will honor their memories by continuing to seek equality and justice for all of the nation’s most vulnerable children.