Bill will support the next generation of leaders in studying nonviolent civil rights movements around the globe
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Tim Scott, Jon Ossoff, and Susan Collins reintroduced The John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to establish a new fellowship within the Fulbright Program. The John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship will provide scholarships to Americans for the study of nonviolent civil rights movements abroad.
“Congressman John Lewis devoted his life to creating a more just world, and we can honor his legacy by inspiring future generations to carry on his work,” said Hickenlooper.
“Congressman John Lewis’s work during the civil rights movement and his unrelenting mission to make our nation a more perfect union in the decades that followed paved the way for Black Americans to reach heights few could’ve imagined. This namesake, common sense legislation will not only honor his legacy, but carry on his work of making America the land of opportunity for generations to come,” said Scott.
“Congressman Lewis’ life-long commitment to civil rights, nonviolence, and universal human dignity remain essential to local, national, and global progress. No one’s ideas or approach to public life have had more of an impact on me than Congressman Lewis’. This bipartisan legislation will ensure the Congressman’s vision for a better world remains an inspiration for future generations,” said Ossoff.
“Congressman John Lewis was a civil rights icon who changed history at great personal sacrifice,” said Collins. “In 2015, I was honored to be among those who joined him in Selma to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday March that he led. By supporting the study of nonviolent civil rights movements, this bipartisan legislation would honor his legacy.”
The J. William Fulbright Scholarship Project is the largest U.S. international exchange program, sending over 370,000 young Americans abroad since its creation in 1946. The John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship would promote the study, research, and international cultural exchange on the subject of nonviolent movements that established and protected civil rights around the world.
The senators originally introduced the legislation in the 117th Congress. U.S. Representative Nikema Williams, who represents Lewis’ longtime congressional district in Georgia, and Representative Nancy Mace introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
For full bill text, click HERE.
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