Jahana Hayes wins Democratic Primary

Jahana Hayes won the Democratic Primary in Connecticut's Fifth Congressional District, the A.P. reported. Ms. Hayes, a “National Teacher of the Year” in 2016, is seeking to become the state’s first black Democrat to serve in Congress.

Ms. Hayes, 46, was thought to be a long-shot in the contest against Mary Glassman, a longtime local Democratic politician in the Western Connecticut region. But she embraced her status as an underdog, melding her life story — growing up in Waterbury, Conn., she went through homelessness, a teen pregnancy and economic hardship — into her campaign.

She also won support from some of the same progressive organizations that supported insurgent progressive Democratic candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who defeated Representative Joseph Crowley in a New York primary. Ms. Hayes will face the Republican Manny Santos.

[SOURCE: NYTIMES]

Democratic takeover could bring first black speaker of the house

Upheaval in the Democratic caucus could pave the way for a historic House leader — and some potential names are already being discussed.

The next speaker of the House could be a black Democrat. And Congress would never be the same.

In 230 years, there’s never been a black speaker, or any black lawmaker seriously in the running for the post. That could change after voters go to the polls in November.

Democrats are their closest to winning back the House in years. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has said she will run for speaker again, but after 16 years at the top, some lawmakers — and a rising number of Democratic candidates — want someone else to take over.

The prospect of a black speaker, which seemed like a long shot just months ago, has started to bubble up more in private conversations in recent weeks, particularly among Democrats in the influential, 48-member Congressional Black Caucus.

After Rep. Joe Crowley of New York, a potential Pelosi successor, went down in a shocking primary defeat in June, the questions about who might replace her have only grown. And that raises the possibility of an African-American Democrat being sworn in as the 55th speaker on Jan. 3.

The members with the likeliest shot, according to more than 20 Democratic lawmakers and aides, include Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, currently the No. 3 House Democrat; Hakeem Jeffries of New York; Cedric Richmond of Louisiana, current chairman of the CBC; Elijah Cummings of Maryland; and Marcia Fudge of Ohio.

Read more: Democratic takeover could bring first black speaker

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh statement on disturbing video of police officer beating man

Baltimore Mayor, Catherine Pugh released the following statement following the disturbing video of a police officer beating an unarmed black man this past weekend because the man refused to show his I.D.

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My statement on the video of the Baltimore Police Officer pic.twitter.com/Wp5GJk80zt

— Mayor Catherine Pugh (@MayorPugh50) August 11, 2018

Watch the sickening video below:

NASA’s Johnson Center Appoints First Black Deputy Director

NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Director Mark Geyer announced Wednesday the selection of Vanessa Wyche as the next deputy director of Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Wyche will assist Geyer in leading one of NASA’s largest installations, which has nearly 10,000 civil service and contractor employees – including those at White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico – and a broad range of human spaceflight activities.

“Vanessa has a deep background at JSC with significant program experience in almost all of the human spaceflight programs that have been hosted here,” Geyer said. “She is respected at NASA, has built agency-wide relationships throughout her nearly three-decade career and will serve JSC well as we continue to lead human space exploration in Houston.”

Wyche recently served as director of the Exploration Integration and Science Directorate (EISD) and completed a detail as the JSC deputy director in February 2018.

“I am incredibly humbled to take on this role at JSC, and also excited to assist Mark with leading the home of human spaceflight,” Wyche said. “I look forward to working with the talented employees at JSC as we work toward our mission of taking humans farther into the solar system.”

Before joining JSC in 1989, Wyche worked for the Food and Drug Administration in Washington, D.C. She began her career with NASA in the Space Life Sciences Directorate as a project engineer. She has held several key center leadership positions including assistant center director, associate director of EISD and acting director of Human Exploration Development Support.

She also served in the Constellation Program as director of operations and test integration and in the Space Shuttle Program as a flight manager for several space shuttle missions. She was manager of the Mission Integration Office, and she completed a detail in the Office of the NASA Administrator.

A South Carolina native, Wyche is a graduate of Clemson University with both a bachelor of science in materials engineering and a master of science in bioengineering. Wyche is the recipient of two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals and two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals. Wyche is the first African-American to hold the JSC deputy director position.

For more information about Wyche, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/about/people/orgs/bios/wyche.html

NAACP president on Trump: 'I have no other conclusion but to say he is a racist'

Derrick Johnson, the president of the NAACP, said President Donald Trump "is a racist" and bashed his administration for its racially charged rhetoric and policies in an interview with Politico published Friday. Listen to that interview below:

Charlottesville mayor: Trump "bringing to light" hate in America

A year after violence sparked by white supremacists in Charlottesville claimed the life of a young civil rights activist and touched off a national conversation about race relations, the city's new mayor, Nikuyah Walker, says she is still so personally angered by President Trump that she has not been able to bring herself to even refer to him by name. The mayor holds him responsible for encouraging the rise of hate in America.

See the movie, read the book Black Klansman: Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime

Spike Lee's Black Klansman is being released this weekend. The movie tells the incredible story of Ron Stallworth, a black police officer that infiltrated the KKK in the 1970's. Stallworth has written a book about his investigation so that you can read the amazing story as told by the man himself, check it out. Links to the book are after the synopsis. George L. Cook III African American Reports

When detective Ron Stallworth, the first black detective in the history of the Colorado Springs Police Department, comes across a classified ad in the local paper asking for all those interested in joining the Ku Klux Klan to contact a P.O. box, Detective Stallworth does his job and responds with interest, using his real name while posing as a white man. He figures he’ll receive a few brochures in the mail, maybe even a magazine, and learn more about a growing terrorist threat in his community.

A few weeks later the office phone rings, and the caller asks Ron a question he thought he’d never have to answer, “Would you like to join our cause?” This is 1978, and the KKK is on the rise in the United States. Its Grand Wizard, David Duke, has made a name for himself, appearing on talk shows, and major magazine interviews preaching a “kinder” Klan that wants nothing more than to preserve a heritage, and to restore a nation to its former glory.

Ron answers the caller’s question that night with a yes, launching what is surely one of the most audacious, and incredible undercover investigations in history. Ron recruits his partner Chuck to play the "white" Ron Stallworth, while Stallworth himself conducts all subsequent phone conversations. During the months-long investigation, Stallworth sabotages cross burnings, exposes white supremacists in the military, and even befriends David Duke himself.

Black Klansman is an amazing true story that reads like a crime thriller, and a searing portrait of a divided America and the extraordinary heroes who dare to fight back.

Kindle------ Paperback --- Hardcover

Michael Brown's mother announces run for Ferguson City Council

The mother of Michael Brown, the unarmed teenager who was fatally shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, four years ago, said Friday that she is running for city council in the St. Louis suburb.

Lezley McSpadden announced her candidacy along Canfield Drive, near the exact spot where her son, who was black, was shot and killed on Aug. 9, 2014, by a white police officer.

"Almost four years ago to this day, I ran down this very street, and my son was covered in a sheet," McSpadden said, fighting back tears. "I learned to walk again, and this is one of my first steps."

McSpadden said she plans to focus on three issues: community policing, economic equality and access to health care for Ferguson's young children.

She said she anticipated that some people might ask why she was qualified to seek elected office.

In response, she said: "If a mother had to watch her son lay on the street for four hours, and watch our community be completely disrespected by the people we elected, what would you do?

"You would stand up and you would fight, too."

[SOURCE NBC NEWS]

Stephen Curry Helps Raise More Than $21k For Nia Wilson's Family

Golden State Warriors Star Stephen Curry has helped raise $21,025 for the family of Nia Wilson through his SC30 Showcase Game on Tuesday.

Curry streamed the event on his official Facebook page and encouraged fans to donate over the course of the night.

A man is accused of stabbing Wilson to death at a Bay Area Rapid Transit stop in Oakland, California, in July. Authorities charged John Cowell with murder and attempted murder after he also allegedly stabbed Wilson's sister, Letifah.

Wilson's father, Ansar El Muhammad, spoke about the importance of Curry's gesture.

"This is what's keeping me and my family so strong," he said, per NBC Bay Area. "All the support from giants like Stephen Curry and abroad, that's what's keeping us strong at the moment."

[SOURCE: BLEACHER REPORT]

Wesley Bell wins primary, will be next St. Louis County Prosector

Wesley Bell, who cast himself as a reformer committed to changing a local criminal justice system widely criticized following the 2014 killing of black and unarmed teenager Michael Brown by a white police officer, won St. Louis County’s Democratic primary for top prosecutor on Tuesday in a major upset.

Bell, a city council member in Ferguson, Missouri, where Brown was killed, defeated Robert McCulloch, who had served in the prosecutor’s post since 1991. McCulloch was harshly criticized by many for failing to file charges against the officer who shot Brown, and Tuesday’s vote was widely seen as a referendum by local residents on his handling of the case.

Bell’s primary victory effectively means he is set to become St. Louis County’s next prosecuting attorney, given that he faces no Republican challenger in November’s general election.

Bell, 43, campaigned on pledges to never seek the death penalty, eliminate cash bail for nonviolent offenses, publicly oppose legislation that would create new mandatory minimum sentences for some crimes and adopt other policies that advocates for criminal justice reform favor.

He won the endorsements of numerous progressive groups, including influential political action committees such as activist Shaun King’s Real Justice and Color of Change, both of which focus on electing reform-minded prosecutors.

[SORCE: YAHOO NEWS]

Kevin Hart teams with United Negro College Fund to launch a new scholarship program

Kevin hart may only come up to Lebron James' knee caps, but he is not about to let the NBA star box him out of also helping black children attend college. I hope this is just the beginning of more black celebrities PUBLICLY stepping up and helping educate our future. George L. Cook III African American Reports.

Following on his generous $100,000 scholarship gift made in 2015 through UNCF to four deserving college students, actor and comedian Kevin Hart has joined forces with UNCF and KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) to help 18 more KIPP students earn a college degree. Through a new UNCF scholarship program launched in partnership with Kevin Hart’s Help From The Hart Charity and KIPP Public Schools, the $600,000 scholarship will provide funding to support KIPP students from eight different cities who are attending 11 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

UNCF is the largest provider of college scholarships for students of color in the U.S., awarding more than $100 million in college scholarships annually to deserving students. The 18 Help From The Hart Charity Scholarship recipients have been selected based on their academic and personal accomplishments and may receive substantive renewable awards based on need.

“The Help From The Hart Charity Scholarship will not only support students, but will also demonstrate support for HBCUs,” said UNCF CEO and President Michael L. Lomax. “Research shows that HBCUs matter, and that HBCU students are having a positive college experience, but they also have an unmet financial need. Together, Kevin and KIPP have made an investment that will have a significant impact. We can’t thank them enough for their support.”

"Education and knowledge are powerful,” said Hart. “I just wanted to do my part in providing opportunities for our future leaders, especially from my Philly hometown, and show support for HBCUs. This is just the beginning; trust me when I tell you there are a lot more kids who want to go to college who don’t have the money to make it happen.”

The 18 students receiving college scholarships are high school graduates who attended KIPP public charter schools in eight different communities: the Arkansas Delta, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. A recent survey of KIPP alumni across the country showed that the KIPP graduates who attend HBCUs reported a stronger sense of belonging, better mental health, and were more likely to have a mentor than those attending non-HBCUs.

“Nothing brings me greater joy than to see the hard work of these 18 KIPP students recognized by Kevin Hart and UNCF through this generous scholarship program,” said John Fisher, chair of the KIPP Foundation Board of Directors. “Michael Lomax has been a longtime KIPP supporter and friend and a tireless champion for young people. We are incredibly grateful to both UNCF and Kevin Hart for their partnership and support to help our students thrive in college and achieve their dreams.”

Hart’s gift to fund this new scholarship program puts him in line with many other renowned celebrities—like Lou Rawls, Ella Fitzgerald, Clifton Davis, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Anthony Anderson, Beyoncé, Chris Rock, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Ray Charles, John Lennon, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis who, realizing the value of a quality education, have supported UNCF over the years. “Giving back to build better futures is the name of the game, and we hope that others like Kevin will understand why educational investments are so important, especially now, and step up to help more deserving students,” said Lomax.

Lomax also added, “Over the last decade, UNCF has been building a relationship with the KIPP public school network, and we are so excited that KIPP’s board of directors and Chairman John Fisher are behind this outstanding new venture. There are more than 1,300 KIPPsters currently enrolled at HBCUs, and together, we are bringing resources and shining a spotlight on these students who are doing all they can to get a college education. This unique partnership will help UNCF continue to bridge the gap from high school success to college achievement and enables UNCF to help more students get to and through college.”

Black Female NASA Pioneers Nominated For Congressional Medals

A group of U.S. senators are recognizing the African American women who contributed to the space race in the 1960s.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chris Croons of Delaware, Kamala Harris of California and 44 of their colleagues introduced a bipartisan bill to award Congressional Gold medals to Katherine Johnson and Dr. Christine Darden and posthumously award Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson whose lives and careers were featured in the book and movie "Hidden Figures".

The Congressional Gold Medal is considered the highest civilian award in the United States and awarded to people who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture; likely to be recognized in that person's field for years to come.

Senator Harris said these women's accomplishments were a critical role in U.S. history:

“These women were barrier breakers, and their immeasurable contributions to NASA and our nation have cemented their place in history,” said Senator Harris. “For too long, their extraordinary accomplishments remained in the shadows, with the world unaware of the critical role they placed in the Space Race. I’m proud to help recognize their achievements as they continue to serve as a beacon for black women both young and old, across the country.”

Johnson calculated trajectories for multiple NASA space missions including the first human spaceflight by an American, Alan Shepard’s Freedom 7 mission. She also calculated trajectories for John Glenn’s Friendship 7 mission to orbit the earth. During her time at NASA, she became the first woman recognized as an author of a report from the Flight Research Division.

Vaughan led the West Area Computing unit for nine years, as the first African American supervisor at National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA. She later became an expert programmer in FORTRAN as a part of NASA’s Analysis and Computation Division.

Jackson, who petitioned the City of Hampton to allow her to take graduate-level courses in math and physics at night at the all-white Hampton High School in order to become an engineer at NASA. She was the first female African-American engineer at the agency. Later in her career, she worked to improve the prospects of NASA’s female mathematicians, engineers, and scientists as Langley’s Federal Women’s Program Manager.

Dr. Darden became an engineer at NASA 16 years after Jackson. She worked to revolutionize aeronautic design, wrote over 50 articles on aeronautics design and became the first African-American person of any gender to be promoted into the Senior Executive Service at Langley.

The bill would commend these women for their contributions to NASA and their broader impact on society, paving the way for women-- especially of color in STEM fields.

This bill is endorsed by the Girl Scouts of the USA, Girl Scouts of Alaska, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Physical Society, Association for Women in Science, National Association for Equal Opportunity, Society of Women Engineers, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, United Negro College Fund, National Center for Women , and Information Technology, Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Hampton Roads Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Association for Women in Math, American Mathematical Society, National Association of Mathematicians, Mathematical Association of America, National Congress of Black Women, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, American Chemical Society, and American Geophysical Union.

[SOURCE: KTVA]

Bill Russell: Being criticized by Trump is the 'biggest compliment you can get'

NBA legend and civil rights activist, Bill Russell took to twitter to praise LeBron James, CNN host Don Lemon, Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), John Lewis (D-Ga.), and NFL players. Russell stated that they “must be doing something right.” if Trump is attacking them.

At this time & place for any African American, @KingJames @donlemon @RepMaxineWaters @repjohnlewis & #NFL plyrs to be criticised by @realdonaldtrump means you must be doing something right! As I have said before- Its the biggest compliment you can get. @TwitterSports @MSNBC @CNN

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) August 5, 2018

'Black Panther' Crosses $700 Million Milestone!

Nearly six months after it first opened in theaters, Ryan Coogler's groundbreaking superhero movie is crossing the $700 million mark in North America, Disney and Marvel announced Saturday.

Only two other films have ever crossed the $700 million threshold: Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($936.7 million) and Avatar ($760.5 million), not adjusted for inflation.

In recent weeks, Disney and Marvel slightly tweaked the film's theater count in order to achieve the feat without an official rerelease. Black Panther's longevity in theaters is unusual in an age when most films are gone within three to four months.

Black Panther — which has grossed north of $1.346 globally — had already broken numerous records. The film is the top earner of the year to date in North America, and the top-grossing superhero pic of all time domestically, not adjusted for inflation.

[SOURCE: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER]

Illinois celebrates first annual Barack Obama Day

Illinoisans honored former President Obama on Saturday with the first annual “Barack Obama Day.”

The Illinois legislature last year unanimously passed a measure establishing Aug. 4, the former president’s birthday, as a state holiday.

Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) signed the bill into law on Aug. 6, 2017, making this year the first that the holiday is celebrated.

Obama began his political career as a community organizer in Chicago before becoming a state senator and then a U.S. senator from Illinois.

An early version of the bill had pushed for the day to be a legal holiday with paid time off and closed government offices, but the final version made it a commemorative holiday.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Orioles' Adam Jones contributes $8.5K to help Mamie Johnson Little League team

When a Washington, D.C., Little League team reached out for help to fund a trip to an upcoming tournament, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones was ready with a response -- and a check.

Jones agreed Friday to contribute $8,500 toward bus transportation for the Mamie Johnson Little League team, which will represent the nation's capital in the Mid-Atlantic Regional tournament starting Sunday in Bristol, Connecticut.

"It's a blessing for the kids and the families,'' Keith Barnes, the league president, told ESPN. "For them to experience this opportunity and for him to help us, it just means the world to these kids. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them, so it's a great gesture. And we really appreciate it.''

The Mamie Johnson team is the first predominantly black squad to advance to the Mid-Atlantic Regional -- the final obstacle to a spot in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Of the 12 players on the roster, 11 are African-American.

Jones' representatives at CAA Sports were in contact with Little League officials and finalized the details Friday. Barnes said the team had already received $15,000 in contributions before Jones became involved. Some of the funds were contributed by competing Little Leagues in the area. He said the surplus created by Jones' contribution will go toward enhancing future participation. The Mamie Johnson Little League players come from less-than-affluent circumstances, Barnes said, and the league charges only $20 to players' families as an initiation fee.

Jones, 33, has a long record of community outreach during his tenure with the Orioles. In 2015, he received the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award from the MLB Players Association, the Brooks Robinson Community Service Award from the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and the Governor's Service Award from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

[SOURCE: ESPN]

Barack Obama endorses Stacey Abrams for governor of Georgia

President Barack Obama has endorsed Stacey Abrams for governor of Georgia. Read his statement of support below:

“I am so excited to endorse Stacey Abrams for Governor of Georgia. She’s not running a campaign built on division or distraction; she’s running to lead one Georgia where everybody has opportunity, and everybody’s voice is heard. And she’s got the record of building consensus that shows she can deliver – with good jobs, great public education, expanded Medicaid, and secure, affordable health insurance for everyone. In a time when too many folks are focused simply on how to win an election, Stacey’s somebody who cares about something more important: why we should. That’s the kind of politics we should practice. That’s why I’m proud to give Stacey Abrams my support.”

“It is a profound honor to receive President Obama’s endorsement,” said Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia Stacey Abrams. “President Obama’s legacy is marked by integrity, a deep commitment to service, and an ability to find solutions that put the well-being of people first. I am grateful for his support as I continue a campaign for governor grounded in hope, optimism, and a boundless belief that we can do more to make sure every family in Georgia has the opportunity to thrive.”

Wow, people are actually questioning Lebron's reasons for opening the I Promise School

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

Now let me state right from the start in the interest of full disclosure by making it clear that I am no Lebron James (the basketball player) fan. I'll admit that I'm a hater. Lebron may go down one day as the GOAT, but as far as I'm concerned, he has only won ONE ring because Dwyane Wade was holding his hand when he won the other two. See, that's the level of hate that I'm on.

But even a Lebron hater like myself has no choice but to give accolades to Lebron James (The Man) for opening up the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio. But apparently, there are those cynics among us who while they give credit for the opening of the school question James motives for doing it.

On my Facebook feed someone accused James of just opening the school to get a tax break. Not only that but someone co-signed that nonsense. (you know who you are.)

Here are three reasons why I don't believe that James opening a school was just about a tax break:

Reason #1: Lebron doesn't care about taxes.

I don't think Lebron is worried about taxes if he was he wouldn't be headed to California with its high taxes nor would he have left Florida where there is no personal income tax. Yeah he wouldn't have won another ring, but he would have saved millions.

Reason #2: There are easier ways to get a tax break.

L.B. could have just got together with some educational types and opened a charter school and be done with it, but he didn't do that. The I Promise School is not a charter but a traditional school that is part of the Akron Public School system that means he has to deal with the local teacher's union and the school board. The school takes in at-risk students which means that issues like hunger, emotional problems, and homelessness must be dealt with. That's a lot for someone trying to get a tax write off.

Reason #3: This is a very personal thing for Lebron James.

If you have heard any of the interviews with James he doesn't give anecdotal evidence or point to studies to show why he is doing what he does for these students. He looks to his personal experiences as a young kid in Akron.

When asked about why the school offered free breakfast and lunch James didn't start off by saying talking about what some study showed, he talked about how he couldn't focus when he was hungry. Those memories drive this young man to help other. so they don't have to go through the hunger and homelessness that he dealt with as a child.

Have we become so jaded that we can't understand why a man would do good to help others? Have we become so cynical that we can't understand that a child who suffered grew into a man that wants to stop others from hurting? If you have become that cynical and jaded then the problem is with you and not Lebron James.

Well I for one haven't, and I appreciate what Lebron James is doing for the children of his community.

Lebron may not finish with as many championships as other great NBA players, but he'll be in an exclusive class of great human beings with Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson, and Bill Russell.

THANK YOU LEBRON JAMES!

By George L. Cook III

Octavia Spencer & Lebron James bringing ‘Madam C.J. Walker’ series to Netflix

Octavia Spencer’s next project is a literal rags-to-riches story. The Oscar winner will executive produce and star in “Madam C.J. Walker,” a limited series on Netflix that tells the true story of the woman who went from washing clothes to becoming one of the very few African-American female millionaires of the early 20th century. LeBron James will also serve as one of the executive producers.

Ms. Walker decided to enter the hair-care industry at a time when few products were geared toward black women. Around 1906 she started her own business and soon created lines of hair straighteners, hair-growth elixirs, shampoos and pomades. As she earned riches and respect in the business world — extremely rare achievements for a black woman at the time — she gave back thousands to the N.A.A.C.P., the Tuskegee Institute, churches and Y.M.C.A.s; she also delivered lectures and helped organize protests against inequality and violence toward African-Americans.

The Netflix series is based on a 2001 biography of Ms. Walker by A’Lelia Bundles, her great-great granddaughter.

The project is being spearheaded by Ms. Spencer, who won an Oscar for her role in “The Help” and has since starred in “Hidden Figures” and “The Shape of Water.” “Since making ‘Hidden Figures,’ I don’t have a problem saying to a room of male executives: ‘I need a female writer or a female director,’ or ‘I need a black voice or a Latin voice,’” she said in a Times interview in 2016.

The news was announced at a Television Critics Association press tour on Sunday. Kasi Lemmons (“Talk to Me”) will direct the first episode, and LeBron James will serve as one of the executive producers. The eight-episode series does not yet have a release date.

[SOURCE: NYTIMES]

US Rep. John Lewis released from hospital with 'clean bill of health'

After a health scare, civil rights icon and US Rep. John Lewis of Georgia was released from the hospital Sunday evening with a "clean bill of health," his spokeswoman said.

"All tests have been completed," Brenda Jones said in a statement. "He thanks everyone who shared their thoughts, prayers and concerns during his stay."

Lewis became ill Saturday on a flight to Atlanta, CNN affiliate WSB-TV reported, quoting unnamed sources.

Lewis, 78, has represented Georgia's 5th Congressional District, which includes much of Atlanta, since first being elected in 1986.

[SOURCE: CNN]