John Lewis (Nebraska activist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Lewis
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| Born | 1841 Virginia, U.S.
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| Occupation | Hotel keeper, musician |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Charity |
John Lewis (born around 1841) was an important person in Omaha, Nebraska. He owned a hotel, played music, and worked hard for civil rights. He was known for running the Lewis House hotel in Omaha's early days.
In 1879, he started a brass band. This band was very popular at African-American events in Omaha during the 1880s. John Lewis was also active in politics. He was part of the Nebraska State Convention of Colored Americans. This group was part of the larger Colored Conventions Movement, which fought for equal rights. He was also involved with the Republican Party in Omaha.
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John Lewis's Life and Work
Running a Hotel and Leading a Band
By 1876, John Lewis was the owner of the Lewis House hotel. This was a well-known place in Omaha. In 1879, Lewis created a brass band. It started with eleven members. Professor Toozer taught them how to play.
The band was called "Lewis' Excelsior Brass Band." John Lewis was the president of the band. Cyrus D. Bell was the secretary. Professor Toozer had been a drummer in the British Army Band. He also led the Union Pacific Band for many years. Lewis's brass band played at many important events. These included the 1880 celebration of the 15th Amendment. This amendment gave African-American men the right to vote. They also played on August 4, 1887. This day celebrated the anniversary of emancipation, when enslaved people became free.
Working for Civil Rights and in Politics
John Lewis was also very active in politics and civil rights. In June 1870, a black Republican candidate named R. D. Curry was chosen in Omaha. However, some white Republicans in Omaha did not want him. They chose someone else instead. This made many black citizens in Omaha lose trust in the Republican Party.
Because of this, a group of black citizens formed a committee. John Lewis was the leader of this committee. Their goal was to encourage black people to vote for who they thought was best. They wanted people to vote independently, not just for one party.
On January 18, 1876, Lewis was a delegate at the Nebraska State Convention of Colored Men. This convention was led by important figures like E. R. Overall and Rev. W. H. Wilson. This shows how dedicated John Lewis was to helping his community.
Black Republicans met again on August 18, 1880. They met to choose delegates for the state convention. John Lewis was one of the delegates chosen from Omaha's Third Ward. Another meeting happened on August 30. At this meeting, Rev. C. M. Brown was chosen as president of the "State Convention of Colored Americans." John Lewis was named one of the vice presidents. He represented Douglas County, where Omaha is located.
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