Civil Rights Leader Disputes Bernie Sanders' History of Activism

The Congressional Black Caucus endorsed Hillary Clinton on Thursday.

February 11, 2016

Not Available Lead — Image via Complex Original

Rep. John Lewis, a prominent political figure and civil rights activist, appeared to dispute Bernie Sanders' history of activism during a Congressional Black Caucus Pac (CBC Pac) press conference on Thursday. Sanders, who recently won the Democratic primary in New Hampshire, has spoken frequently of his involvement with both the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE). Lewis, however, says he isn't convinced:

"I never saw [Sanders]," Lewis said during the press conference, centered around the CBC Pac's endorsement of Sanders' rival, Hillary Clinton. "I never met him. I was chair of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee for three years, 1963 to 1966. I was involved in the sit-ins, the freedom rides, the March on Washington, the march from Selma to Montgomery." According to the Huffington Post, Sanders was also criticized by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries for his gun control record.

In a tweet posted shortly after news of Lewis' remarks started to break headlines, Rep. Keith Ellison took issue with both the endorsement and the press conference surrounding its announcement:

Lewis' remarks, which some say warranted gasps, stand as a direct contrast to numerous reports of Sanders' history of attempted social justice reform and well-documented activism. As noted by Bustle, Sanders attended the March on Washington and was arrested during a protest at Chicago State University as a student. Harry Belafonte, an entertainer and civil rights activist, endorsed Sanders' White House bid with a quick YouTube announcement on Thursday. The candidate, Belafonte says, represents a "certain kind of truth" not generally found in American politics.