"I thought I was going to die, I thought I saw death" – Rep. John Lewis on his fight for Civil Rights

In advance of a forthcoming CNN documentary dedicated to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's, on Thursday evening Anderson Cooper welcomed Georgia Congressman John Lewis.

Featured in the film, Lewis fought to end segregation and racial discrimination in the South. Recalling days of hate and injustice, Lewis spoke earnestly about a battle he knew might cost him his life:

"I thought I was going to die, I thought I saw death," Lewis told Cooper. "But I was prepared, and I was ready."

Watch the above clip for more of Lewis' powerful first hand perspective, and tune to CNN television as "The Sixties" continues.