Rep. John R. Lewis (D-Ga.), a veteran activist and civil rights leader, received the 2011 Louis E. Martin Great American Award Tuesday night from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

Lewis was recognized for more than 50 years of service to the causes of human rights, civil liberties and the strengthening of the American community at the Joint Center's annual gala dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Lewis said he always questioned the rules, even as a child, and that his parents and grandparents often discouraged him from pushing the envelope.

“I would ask, ‘Why segregation? Why racial discrimination?’ and they would say, 'That’s the way it is. Don’t get in the way; don’t get in trouble.' And for more than 45 years, I’ve been getting in the way. I’ve been deeply moved and inspired to get into more trouble,” Lewis told the audience.

This article was previously available at BlackAmericaWeb.