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News 12 Staff

Jul 18, 2021, 1:56am

Updated on: Jul 18, 2021, 1:56am

Many gathered around the nation and throughout New York City Saturday to mark one year since the death of since civil rights icon John Lewis.

At the National Action Network in Harlem Saturday morning, elected officials called on lawmakers to pass legislation to protect voting rights that Lewis marched to protect.

"The way to make sure we memorialize him is to pass the voting rights bills that is in our Congress," said Rev. Al Sharpton.

Rep. Yvette Clarke highlighted the 80-year-old public servant's activism.

"And that brother walked through the dungeons, where you could still smell the death of our people," Clarke said.

The late Lewis' presence was in the air as many joined together on Zoom at the Good Trouble Vigil for Democracy to remember the late congressman.

"Not only does he talk about bridges but he walks on bridges and so we know we crossed over but there are future bridges ahead of us," said faith leader Dr. Robert Waterman.

The John Lewis Mobalization organized the event and highlighted the legislation many have called for.

"We need to do whatever possible to make it easier for people to vote, and so I'm committed to passing this piece of legislation," said Sen. John Liu

"They need to know that they have the right to vote but why they need to vote" State Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman.

Legislation from For the People Act to the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act that would federally protect voters across the fifty states and would minimize voter suppression.

Lewis is best known for marching and organizing in Selma, Alabama alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965.

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Lawmakers call for protections to voters' rights on anniversary of John Lewis' death - News 12 Bronx