President Barack Obama hugs Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., after his introduction during the event to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches, at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., March 7, 2015.

President Barack Obama hugs Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., after his introduction during the event to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches, at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., March 7, 2015. / Official White House Photo

U.S. Congressman John Lewis of Atlanta was honored over the weekend during the 51st Annual NAACP Image Awards for his work as a civil rights activist.

Lewis, who turned 80 last week, accepted the Chairman's Award in a pre-recorded video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDorckMVDCI&ab_channel=BETNetworks

Lewis has served Georgia's 5th Congressional District since he was first elected in 1986.

In December, Lewis made public that he is fighting stage four pancreatic cancer. In the announcement, he pledged to remain in office while fighting the disease. 

The Chairman's Award is given to people or organizations in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service.

Previous winners include actor/director Tyler Perry, then-senator Barrack Obama, former vice president Al Gore, Bono of the group U2 and congresswoman Maxine Waters.

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