Our Mission

Founded in 2021, The John R. Lewis Legacy Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our mission is to promote diversity, support civil rights education, and engage in community service projects that foster the legacy of the late Congressman John R. Lewis.

We aim to strengthen communities through initiatives centered around Social Justice, Education Equity and Health Awareness. His commitment to nonviolent change, equality, and voting rights will remain at the forefront of our endeavors.

Jerrick Lewis,
Executive Director

Jerrick Lewis is a native of Troy, Alabama. He was raised on the same family land as his uncle, the late Congressman John R. Lewis. Some of his fondest childhood memories include hearing the stories about his uncle’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.

After graduating from Pike County High School, Jerrick chose a career as a commercial driver. While this has been his occupation for the past 21 years, he has also had a desire to make a positive influence in today’s society. After the 2020 death of Congressman Lewis, Jerrick was motivated to continue his uncle’s legacy while promoting human rights and Civil Rights history. As a family man, he knew that he would need the support and wisdom of some of his closest cousins. These convictions led to the evolution of the John R. Lewis Legacy Institute.

Ron Lewis, Board Chair

Ron is the nephew of the late Honorable Congressman John R. Lewis. Ron’s passion to be one of the founding members of the JRL Legacy Institute comes from growing up seeing his uncle in history books and from the many conversations he had with his late grandmother about him.

After serving honorably in the United States Army Reserves, Ron has worked for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama as a machinist for the past 17 years.

“Before uncle Robert’s death he wrote an essay, giving the world their “Marching Orders” challenging us all to carry on the fight. Encouraging us all to get into Good, Necessary Trouble!"

Garry Lowe, Vice-Chair

An Atlanta native, brings over twenty years of sales and marketing experience to The John Robert Lewis Legacy Institute, as well as a rich background in educational leadership.

He is a member of the Decatur City Schools Diversity Equity and Inclusion Program and the Decatur City Schools Charter Leadership Program. He has been an Executive Regional Business Specialist for over fifteen years. Garry is firmly dedicated to the legacy of his cousin, former Congressman Lewis, and committed to the mission of The John Robert Lewis Legacy Institute.

"Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful. Be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year. It is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble."

Armmon Carter
Board of Directors

Armmon is a first cousin of the late Congressman Lewis. Born and raised in Troy, Alabama he spent much of his youth playing and exploring in the same fields and dirt roads that Congressman Lewis often preached about.

Armmon has over 20 years of professional experience in the energy industry and currently works at Alabama Power as an Energy Services Manager.

“Although he is no longer with us physically, the influence my late cousin has on my life increases with the passing of each day. There has never been a more important time in history than now, to promote the values and beliefs that were the never waning core of his being.”

Good Trouble Makers

Angela, a native of Fort Lauderdale, is the niece of the late Congressman. At an early age she became inspired by the Congressman's work along with the many women of the movement. Through her spirituality and entrepreneurial spirit, she has created many platforms to encourage underprivileged women.

Angela is a salon owner where she's able to pursue her dreams-empowering women to be over-comers and not allow their past to determine their future successes. Angela penned her book BTrue2U which deals with the steps of healing, forgiveness, and self identity.

Angela's favorite quote of her uncle, is "keep your eyes on the prize"

Angela Warren
Board of Directors

Kimberly is one of many first cousins of the late Congressman John R. Lewis. Although she was born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY, she has always regarded Troy, AL as “home”. There, her most cherished childhood memories were made as she connected with her southern roots; however, it wasn’t until her late teens that Kimberly realized her familial connection to THE Congressman John R. Lewis because to her, he had always been, simply, Cousin Robert.

Kimberly holds over 25 years of professional experience in the Customer Service, Insurance, and Legal fields. In addition, she has held past board positions on the Board of Trustees of the True Bethel Baptist Church and the True Community Development Corporation, both of Buffalo, NY. Kimberly is also an Heir-O-Link of The Links, Incorporated.

“Whatever good work you do, whatever powerful, profound work—do it because it’s right or because it’s necessary. Do it to make change for the better. Do it because you know you must. Don’t do it for credit.”

― John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation