Tyler Perry, Joe Biden, Jamie Foxx and More Mourn Death of Civil Rights Icon Rev. Joseph Lowery | PEOPLE.com
Rev. Joseph Lowery, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement who worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr., died at age 98, multiple outlets report.
On Friday, Lowery died at his Atlanta home, according to The New York Times. He died of natural causes, a family representative told CNN.
Bernice King, the youngest child of MLK Jr., shared a tribute to Lowery on Friday, tweeting a photo of herself with the activist, whom she called Uncle Joe.
“It’s hard to imagine a world or an Atlanta without Reverend #JosephLowery,” she wrote. “I’m grateful for a life well-lived and for its influence on mine. I’ll miss you, Uncle Joe. You finally made it up to see Aunt Evelyn again.” Lowery’s wife of 65 years, Evelyn, died in 2013.
More stars reacted to the news of Lowery’s death, including Jamie Foxx, who wrote on Instagram that “one of our great heroes has passed.”
“98 years of service and dedication to civil rights. To us,” the Just Mercy actor, 52, continued. “He endured a tremendous amount of racial bias and inequalities #josephlowery R.I.P.
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In 2009, then-President Barack Obama honored Lowery with the Medal of Freedom. Billie Jean King, Stephen Hawking and Harvey Milk were given the distinction that year as well.
Tyler Perry shared a heartfelt tribute to Lowery on Saturday, writing on Instagram that he was “saddened” by the news, sharing personal photos of when he met the civil rights leader.
“As I was going through some of my personal photos I came across a few that I don’t usually make public, but this one said it all,” wrote Perry, 50. “This and the two other pictures were taken in 2012 at my old studio when President Barack Obama, a sitting president, bowed to the greatness of the man who stood before both of us! Presidential humility at its best.”
View this post on Instagram I was saddened today to hear about the passing of a true legend and icon, Dr. Joseph E. Lowery. As I was going through some of my personal photos I came across a few that I don’t usually make public, but this one said it all. This and the two other pictures were taken in 2012 at my old studio when President Barack Obama, a sitting president, bowed to the greatness of the man who stood before both of us! Presidential humility at its best. He knew what I wish the whole world knew. Dr. Lowery was a man that helped move this country to a better place. We should all be grateful for his incredible work through the civil rights movement all the way up until his passing. The man was amazing, loving, kind, funny, a truth teller and a healer. I will miss his incredible jokes, quick wit, and him telling me about how much he enjoyed the twists, turns, and laughs in my shows. You will be missed my friend! Your family is in my prayers. Join your loving wife and rest with the angels!!A post shared by Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) on Mar 28, 2020 at 8:31am PDT
The filmmaker added that Lowery “helped move this country to a better place.”
“We should all be grateful for his incredible work through the civil rights movement all the way up until his passing. The man was amazing, loving, kind, funny, a truth teller and a healer,” Perry continued. “I will miss his incredible jokes, quick wit, and him telling me about how much he enjoyed the twists, turns, and laughs in my shows.”
Tonight, the great Reverend Joseph E. Lowery transitioned from earth to eternity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a champion for civil rights, a challenger of injustice, a dear friend to the King family.
Thank you, sir.
— The King Center (@TheKingCenter) March 28, 2020
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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinalawson) on Mar 28, 2020 at 9:07am PDT
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Today we honor the life and legacy of Rev. Joseph Lowery, a civil rights legend and the co-founder of the @NationalSCLC. #RestInPower pic.twitter.com/hTfJjvSuxX
— NAACP (@NAACP) March 28, 2020
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With the passing of Reverend Joseph Lowery, our country has lost a brave, visionary leader in the struggle for justice and a champion of its promise, still unrealized, of equality for all Americans. Hillary and I are grateful for his friendship. https://t.co/uaJWD4sJ5q
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) March 28, 2020
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Former Vice President Joe Biden also reacted to news of Lowery’s passing,
“Last night, the great Rev. Joseph E. Lowery passed away, leaving an indelible mark on our country’s history towards progress,” Biden, 77, tweeted. “He never once wavered in his spirit and in the resolve to end injustice — wherever he saw it. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
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