“When growing up, I saw segregation. I saw racial discrimination. I saw those signs that said white men, colored men. White women, colored women. White waiting. And I didn't like it. I would ask my mother and ask my parents over and over again, why? They said, that's the way it is. Don't get in the way, don't get in trouble. I was so inspired by Rosa Parks in 1955. I was 15 years old. I was inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. I heard his words on all radio. It seemed like he was saying to me, John Lewis, you too can make a contribution.”
![“I happen to believe that this election year [2016] is...one of the most important elections that we're going to face in a very long time. I know we hear from time to time that every election is important. This one is very, very important.” quote by John Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0da/john-lewis-1310_believe_i-happen-to-believe-that-this-election-y_49319.jpg)
![“[Donald Trump's inauguration] will be the first one that I miss since I've been in Congress. You cannot be at home with something that you feel that is wrong, is not right.” quote by John Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0ea/john-lewis-1310_congress_donald-trump-s-inauguration-will-be-the_81588.jpg)
