U.S. Rep. John Lewis: "My history attests that I abhor racism."

U.S. Rep. John Lewis writes in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

My history attests that I abhor racism

I'd like to offer my sincere apology to all who were offended by the content of the John Eaves ad. I would never have participated in the ad if I had believed that it was racist.

I can honestly say that I don't think I have a single racist bone in my body. Anyone who examines my life history will know that I have fought too long and too hard to put an end to racism and bigotry to participate in anything that I thought would lead to the creation of a greater racial divide. For almost 50 years, I have believed and continue to preach that we must lay down the burden of race and create a truly interracial democracy — an all-inclusive beloved community.

Some of us come to our involvement in politics from a different place. We were denied the right to vote simply because of the color of our skin. Some of us were beaten and left bloody and unconscious. Some of us were left for dead. Some of us were arrested and jailed many times, trying to become participants in the democratic process.

Regardless of our differences, we must all find a way to pull together — Democrats and Republicans, black and white, rich and poor. We must continue to build and not tear down, to love and not hate, to reconcile and not divide. We are one people, one family, the American family, and we must find a way to work together, to live together and make peace with each other.

U.S. Rep. JOHN LEWIS