A class of Navy ships has been named for civil rights icon U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who participated in Nashville lunch counter sit-ins as a college student in the 1950s and ’60s.
The first of these ships, a replenishment oiler being built at the General Dynamics Shipyard, according to NBC 7 San Diego, will be officially dubbed “USNS John Lewis.” Lewis, along with actress Alfre Woodard, welded their initials into the ship in May at San Diego Harbor, NBC reported. The Navy wishes to obtain 20 John Lewis-class ships, with the first six already ordered.
Raised by sharecroppers in Troy, Alabama, Lewis enrolled in Nashville’s American Baptist Theological Seminary in 1957.
U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., in a 2013 file photo. (Photo: The Associated Press)
During his time in the city, he participated in sit-ins and bus protests to highlight the inequalities of segregation. He was also on the first Washington Freedom Ride in 1961. Throughout these often dangerous situations, Lewis was arrested 40 times.
Lewis, who crossed paths with the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy, remained in Music City until 1963. In that year, he was elected as chairman of Atlanta-based civil rights group Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
Gasping for breath, John Lewis stands inside the insecticide fume-filled Krystal lunch counter at 204 Fifth Ave. N. in downtown Nashville on Nov. 10, 1960, after the manager turned on a fumigating machine to disrupt Lewis and fellow sit-in demonstrator James Bevel. (Photo: Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean)
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Buy Photo
Social