Read on Twitter
It seems like everyone has a beautiful John Lewis story. Here’s mine: we went Christmas shopping together in South Africa in 2013.
I keep this photo on my desk from that day because it’s one of my absolute favorite stories. (1/)
I keep this photo on my desk from that day because it’s one of my absolute favorite stories. (1/)
I was the Special Assistant to the Amb at the US Embassy when Nelson Mandela died. POTUS, FLOTUS, 2 fmr POTUSes, SecStae, & large CODEL came to the memorial service & the embassy was struggling to staff all these VIPs. Rep. Lewis was a part of the CBC delegation. 2/
After the memorial, the CODEL returned to its hotel which was attached to a mall in Joburg. They had free time before dinner. Some wanted to rest but Rep. Lewis wanted to go shopping. Surprisingly, none of the more senior control officers wanted to go so I eagerly volunteered! 3/
I don’t know if the other officers didn’t know who John Lewis was or if they were just too exhausted, but I couldn’t believe my luck! I introduced myself and Rep Lewis said “I can’t go back home without gifts for my staff. Can you help me find something for them?” 4/
We spent about 1.5 hours going through the mall. He told me how holidays were hard since his wife’s death & how Mandela once told him that he inspired him. A Black US expat recognized him & he graciously took a pic with him. I was stunned by his humility and kindness 5/
I took him to see the Mandela statue in the mall courtyard. I went to take the pic of him and the 2 other Reps with him. He said “Desirée, get in here! You’re a part of this moment too.”
That’s who John Lewis was: an icon but still the embodiment of kindness and humility. 6/6
That’s who John Lewis was: an icon but still the embodiment of kindness and humility. 6/6
