On Sunday, Feb. 24, I unexpectedly heard from a real hero, Rep. John Lewis of Georgia. He made a short presentation at the Academy Awards.

In this age where many are called heroes, John Lewis is the real deal. His noble qualities and valorous deeds, over his lifetime, have him well suited for the title.

He repeatedly risked his life in the Civil Rights movement.

He was an organizer of the Freedom Riders, who, in 1960, lawfully integrated Greyhound buses, riding them into the deep South knowing that groups would be there waiting to maim or kill them. One bus was fire-bombed while a mob held the doors closed.

For many years, his selfless activism continued, including marching across the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Alabama where he, once again, was beaten.

What were the reasons for his actions?

To obtain the actual right for black citizens to travel freely across America, which was a legal right. Also, for the right to vote, as all citizens do, without being denied because of the color of their skin; in short, to be accepted fully as American citizens, something that they were entitled to from birth.

Unfortunately, this fight continues today, for there are those amongst us who would still deny equality to others of our citizens because they are, seemingly, different.

Lewis has continued to fight as a 30-year veteran of the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a real hero.

Thank you, John.

Jim Skvorc

Cortez