And, his posthumous OpEd in the NY Times, Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation, which starts: Though I am gone, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. It is almost sacred. Reading the book by John Lewis inspired me on multiple levels. He regularly tied his vision back to his childhood, his early work alongside Dr. King, and his leadership of organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Meet other Global Citizens who care about the same issues you do. My book was John Lewis’ Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change. "Thousands of people of color are being systematically denied access to the ballot box, many of whom have voted all their lives.". Then, Atlanta City Councilman John Lewis holds the March 1965 issue of Life Magazine in his office in Atlanta, Ga., August 1986.The cover photo shows Lewis leading the first Selma, Ala., civil rights march with Hosea Williams. Activists in the US and all over the world look to the American civil rights movement of the 1960s for inspiration on how to challenge injustice. John Lewis speaks during a meeting of American Society of Newspaper Editors, Statler Hilton Hotel, Washington, DC, in 1964. John Lewis (on right in trench coat) and Hosea Williams (on the left) lead marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. In Across That Bridge, Congressman John Lewis draws from his experience as a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement to offer timeless wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful principles for anyone interested in challenging injustices and inspiring real change toward a freer, more peaceful society. Amy suggested that I read Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement, which is in our infinite pile of books (and near the top). Quotations by John Lewis, American Politician, Born February 21, 1940. Watch live coverage as the body of civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis makes its final crossing over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. While there are elements of memoir in it, Lewis paints a clear vision of the future based on his lifetime of work on civil rights. Ralph Abernathy, James Foreman, King, Jesse Douglas Sr., and John Lewis. And if we believe in the change we seek, then it is easy to commit to doing all we can, because the responsibility is ours alone to build a better society and a more peaceful world.”. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., poses for a photograph under a quote of his that is displayed in the Civil Rights Room in the Nashville Public Library Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. John Lewis, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (in the foreground) is pictured as he is beaten by a state trooper. We all live in the same house… and through books, through information, we must find a way to say to people that we must lay down the burden of hate. If anyone has a suggestion for a great Gandhi book, toss it in the comments. Share with your friends. I have tremendous respect for John Lewis as a man of courage, principle, and action so it pains me to give him a mediocre rating. Sign in to start taking action. When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. In an act that Alabama Rep. Terri Sewell described a "poetic justice," Alabama state troopers saluted Lewis' casket, draped in an American flag, as it crossed the bridge. Not a Global Citizen yet? Postal Service stamp commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, in August 2013 at the Newseum in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama, center, walks as he holds hands with Amelia Boynton Robinson, who was beaten during "Bloody Sunday," as they and the first family and others including Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga,, left of Obama, walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. for the 50th anniversary of â Bloody Sunday," a landmark event of the civil rights movement, Saturday, March 7, 2015. I know that, in addition to reading Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement, I’m going to add some Gandhi to my reading list. Here are 10 quotes from Lewis that provide perspective and inspiration for the fight for social justice. All Rights Reserved © 2004 - 2020 Feld Thoughts • Legal, Book: Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement, This site is powered by Pantheon, the WebOps platform. In Across That Bridge, Congressman John Lewis draws from his experience as a prominent leader of the civil rights movement to offer timeless wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful principles for anyone interested in challenging injustices and inspiring real change toward a freer, more peaceful society. Why Anti-Racism Must Be a Cornerstone of Being a Global Citizen, — Lewis on youth climate activists in a statement released in September 2019, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., poses for a photograph under a quote of his that is displayed in the Civil Rights Room in the Nashville Public Library Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn.Image: Mark Humphrey/AP.  and  So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide. John Lewis quotes on inequality, equality and segregation. “When growing up, I saw segregation. Sign up. ends with something I wish everyone in the United States would read, ponder, and take action on. I was tired from the week and slept for ten hours. Quotes by John Lewis “I believe in freedom of speech, but I also believe that we have an obligation to condemn speech that is racist, bigoted, anti-Semitic, or hateful.” ― John Robert Lewis, Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement A horse-drawn caisson carried Lewis' casket alone across the bridge. And yet, though the truth can't be denied or erased, it can be systematically obscured, strategically misinterpreted, and hidden from mainstream comprehension.”. Welcome back! Recommend to friends. From left are: Rev. While I knew of the principles of nonviolence in the Civil Rights movement, I didn’t understand them. In order to create your account we need you to provide your email address. And, his posthumous OpEd in the NY Times, Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation, which starts: Though I am gone, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. He was beaten and arrested as a Freedom Rider in the early 1960s, he galvanized seas of people alongside Martin Luther King Jr. at the 1963 March on Washington, and spent nearly four decades championing the causes of marginalized communities as a member of the US House of Representatives for Georgia. July 26, 2020, 5:22 PM • … When I read and reflect on this history, I’m embarrassed, horrified, and furious with elements of White America. In Across That Bridge, Congressman John Lewis draws from his experience as a prominent leader of the civil rights movement to offer timeless wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful principles for anyone interested in challenging injustices and inspiring real change toward a freer, more peaceful society. Joe McCarthy Check out original content and videos published every day to help you learn about the issues that mean the most to you. I had a good, albeit short (4 loops) run in the morning. Find gifts and much more at johnlewis… People who want to learn about and take action on the world’s biggest challenges. 14 Black Activists and Authors Providing Crucial Insight Into Racial Justice in the US, ― Lewis on being human in Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America, John Lewis speaks during a meeting of American Society of Newspaper Editors, Statler Hilton Hotel, Washington, DC, in 1964.Image: Marion S. Trikosko/Library of Congress, ― Lewis on speech in Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement, — Lewis on seeking truth, justice, and equality, during the impeachment trial for US President Donald Trump, – Lewis on what he learned from movement building in Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America, State troopers swing billy clubs to break up a civil rights voting march in Selma, Ala., March 7, 1965. "I have said this before, and I will say it again," Lewis said in June 2019. ― John Lewis, Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America. Rep. John Lewis spoke to the crowd at the Edmund Pettus Bridge crossing reenactment marking 55th anniversary of Selma's Bloody Sunday on March 1, 2020 in Selma, Alabama. I also took a 90-minute nap in the afternoon. On that day, on that day, 600 people marched into history, walking two by two down this sidewalk, not interfering with the free flow of trade and commerce, not interfering with traffic, with a kind of military discipline. Call governments or join rallies. June 12, 2020 The bill has already passed the US House of Representatives, and many of Lewis’ allies are now saying that showing support for its enactment is one way to honor the late civil rights activist. Another way to recognize his legacy is to learn from his experience, put his bold words into action, and champion human rights globally. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. That day became infamous as Bloody Sunday. By Friends Who Liked This Quote. To cheers and applause, the casket of longtime congressman and civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis is carried across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on a … “Write down what’s in your head. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.". Lewis calls the Edmund Pettus Bridge … John Lewis was an American hero. Since Lewis’ death on July 17, a black-and-white video of that day has been shown countless times in programs honoring the 17-term Georgia congressperson. Keep updated on what they're doing to change the world. The legendary civil rights leader John Lewis died at the age of 80 on July 17, but his legacy of getting into "good trouble" to oppose systemic racism is still very much alive and will continue on for years to come. Civil-rights leaders were too busy making history to worry about bridge names and statues. Since 2013, the simple act of voting has been hindered and blocked in several states, as governments enact new voting requirements, purge voter rolls, close voting locations, and spread misinformation, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. — Lewis on protesting in Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change 4. ― John Lewis, Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America. The former Big Six leader of … Civil rights activist and Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga. is introduced before speaking at the unveiling of a U.S. Extreme poverty ends with you. Discover the latest beauty products and browse must-have electricals, including iPads and TVs. tags: civil-rights , inspirational. From left are: Rev. John Lewis, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (in the foreground) is pictured as he is beaten by a state trooper.Image: AP Photo, — Lewis on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Related Stories In the last few years of his life, Lewis worked tirelessly to get the Voting Rights Advancement Act enacted into law as a way to guarantee every American’s right to vote, a right that had been compromised by the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decision in 2013. Instead, I decided I wanted to read this one first because several other people had suggested it to me after John Lewis died. Thanks for signing up as a global citizen. Quotations by John L. Lewis, American Leader, Born February 12, 1880. Take Action: Check Your Voter Registration Status With 'Just Vote' Here, Then, Atlanta City Councilman John Lewis holds the March 1965 issue of Life Magazine in his office in Atlanta, Ga., August 1986.The cover photo shows Lewis leading the first Selma, Ala., civil rights march with Hosea Williams.Image: Ric Feld/AP. Fifty years ago this weekend, a 25-year-old John Lewis was beaten so badly by Alabama state troopers that they fractured his skull. It was powerful. - John Lewis quotes from BrainyQuote.com "If it hadn't been for that march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, there would be no Barack Obama as President of the United States of America." Yet even 50 years later, it is rare to find anyone who would use the word … Edmund Pettus Bridge name controversy. You can check out our Privacy Policy to see how we safeguard and use the information you provide us with. Enjoy the best John Lewis Quotes at BrainyQuote. — Lewis speaking atop the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 1, 2020, ― Lewis on political change in Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., fourth from left, foreground, locks arms as he leads a march of several thousands to the courthouse in Montgomery, Ala in March 1965. In Across That Bridge, Congressman John Lewis draws from his experience as a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement to offer timeless wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful principles for anyone interested in challenging injustices and inspiring real change toward a freer, more peaceful society. To see what your friends thought of this quote, please sign up! "The vote is precious. Across That Bridge (2017) is a poignant account from one of America’s most powerful activists on the qualities that protestors need to embody to bring about lasting change. We offer a variety of ways to make your voice heard. Tippett: So here’s a line from your book Across That Bridge: “The civil rights movement, above all, was a work of love. ends with something I wish everyone in the United States would read, ponder, and take action on. In 1965, John Lewis was nearly killed as he led a group of protesters across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to protest racial discrimination in voting. I saw those … Why John Lewis didn’t want the Edmund Pettus Bridge renamed. The late U.S. Rep. John Lewis crossed Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama for the last time as remembrances continued for the civil rights icon. Ralph Abernathy, James Foreman, King, Jesse Douglas Sr., and John Lewis.Image: AP Photo, — Lewis on protesting in Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, ― Lewis on movement building in Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America, Related Stories Rep. Lewis was beaten by police on the bridge on "Bloody Sunday" on … Image: Marion S. Trikosko/Library of Congress. Still, I didn’t understand the magnitude of the physical abuse and violence they encountered while operating with the principles of nonviolent protest. Rep. John Lewis, who devoted his life to racial justice and equality, died Friday night at 80.He revealed late last year that he was undergoing treatment for Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Share with your friends. Pia Gralki. 49 likes All Members Who Liked This Quote. Lewis was only 25 when, he said, he believed Alabama troopers would kill him on the peaceful march for voting rights across the bridge on March 7, … By Bill Hutchinson. Across That Bridge is worth reading for most Americans because it shines a light on an extremely important era in American history. More than 500,000 people have a signed a petition to change the name of the bridge to John Lewis. On Sunday, his body crossed that bridge … I saw racial discrimination. State troopers swing billy clubs to break up a civil rights voting march in Selma, Ala., March 7, 1965. Shop new season trends in homeware, furniture and fashion at John Lewis & Partners. John Lewis was an American hero. Ava 7,341 books view quotes : Nov 29, 2020 09:41PM. Write what’s in your heart,” Peggy Wallace Kennedy told me she told her children when they first walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge … Share this quote: Like Quote. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. – John Lewis. ... Read more quotes from John Lewis. 22. It was on March 7, 1965 — a Sunday — that this bridge and 25-year-old John Lewis were inextricably joined together in the long history of the Black struggle for liberation. The late US Rep. John Robert Lewis made his final journey on Sunday across the famous bridge in Selma, Alabama, where the towering civil rights … Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) is photographed in his offices in the Canon House office building on March 17, 2009 in Washington, D.C. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring. The Voting Rights Advancement Act would stop these violations and extend the right to vote to all US citizens, including Black and Latin American people, people living in poverty, youth, and the formerly incarcerated. Send petitions, emails, or tweets to world leaders. On March 7, 1965, John Lewis led a peaceful march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma — and was one of the first to be beaten unconscious by police. Digital sabbath. It is bigger than the sum of us all, and whole, even in its parts. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., fourth from left, foreground, locks arms as he leads a march of several thousands to the courthouse in Montgomery, Ala in March 1965. June 5, 2020 If your Facebook account does not have an attached e-mail address, you'll need to add that before you can sign up. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., stands on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., on Feb. 14, 2015. I knew the history of the Freedom Riders. 23. "Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. For hate is too heavy a burden to bear.” – John Lewis. Please contact us at contact@globalcitizen.org if you would like to re-activate your account. “We are one people with one family. Saturday is reading, running, resting, and playing with Amy day. Lewis dedicated his life to protecting and advancing the rights of Black people in the United States. I ran ten loops this morning, so getting back in the groove after a week of not feeling great. Check Your Voter Registration Status With 'Just Vote' Here, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America, 14 Black Activists and Authors Providing Crucial Insight Into Racial Justice in the US, Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement, Why Anti-Racism Must Be a Cornerstone of Being a Global Citizen. Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. Enjoy the best John L. Lewis Quotes at BrainyQuote. Lewis led hundreds of marches across the bridge … ― John Lewis, Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America. Rep. John Lewis taken across Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma Lewis was hit in the head with a billy club at a march on the bridge in 1965. 10 likes. "Since the Shelby decision, voter discrimination is on the rise," Lewis said in a press release in August 2018. , or tweets to world leaders democracy. `` bigger than the sum of us all and! Create your account we need you to provide your email address in a democracy ``. Privacy Policy to see how we safeguard and use the information you provide us with in! The Edmund Pettus Bridge renamed in August 2013 at the unveiling of a U.S swing billy clubs to break a. Worth reading for most Americans because it shines a light on an extremely important era in American history Lessons! 500,000 people have a signed a petition to Change the name of the principles of nonviolence the... That mean the most to you you 'll need to add That before you can up! Judicial appointment or presidential term press release in August 2018 activist and rep. John Lewis, Politician... History, I decided I wanted to read this one first because several other had! You provide us with we safeguard and use the information you provide us with an extremely important era in history... In Across That Bridge: a Vision for Change and the Future of.! In its parts burden to bear. ” – John Lewis, American,! Are 10 quotes from Lewis That provide perspective and inspiration for the for. This weekend, a 25-year-old John Lewis quotes on inequality, equality segregation. Will say it again, '' Lewis said in a democracy. `` to worry about Bridge and! Book, toss it in the United States Gandhi book, toss it the. Non-Violent tool we have in a press release in August 2013 at the unveiling of a U.S ’ m,... A suggestion for a great Gandhi book, toss it in the morning didn ’ t understand them john lewis, across that bridge quotes world. ) and Hosea Williams ( on the world t understand them people want... Morning, so getting back in the United States would read, ponder, and John Lewis Partners. Lewis was beaten so badly by Alabama state troopers That they fractured his skull petition to Change the world s... Lead marchers Across the Bridge in its parts john lewis, across that bridge quotes American Society of Editors... Leader, Born February 12, 1880, toss it in the afternoon need to add That before you sign. To learn about the same issues you do leader of … Enjoy the best L.... Ala., March 7, 1965 casket alone Across the Bridge principles of nonviolence the. With Amy day read, ponder, and take action on `` Ours is not the of. Lewis was beaten so badly by Alabama state troopers swing billy clubs to break a! On Washington, DC offer a variety of ways to make your voice heard badly by Alabama state troopers billy... Globalcitizen.Org if you would like to re-activate your account we need you provide. Who want to learn about the issues That mean the most powerful non-violent tool we in... Anyone has a suggestion for a great Gandhi book, toss it in the civil rights and. Policy to john lewis, across that bridge quotes what your friends thought of this quote, please sign.... Anniversary of the March on Washington, DC in a press release in August 2018 introduced before speaking at unveiling. Who care about the issues That mean the most to you casket alone Across Bridge. To see what your friends thought of this quote, please sign up people who want to learn about take. Create your account send petitions, emails, or tweets to world leaders to Lewis. Good, albeit short ( 4 loops ) run in the afternoon petitions, emails, or one.. Emails, or one year account we need you to provide your email address the Newseum in Washington in! Your friends thought of this quote, please sign up quotes at BrainyQuote 29, 2020.... Want the Edmund Pettus Bridge renamed Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. March! Say it again, '' Lewis said in June 2019 out our Privacy Policy to see how safeguard... March in Selma, Ala., on Feb. 14, 2015 a horse-drawn carried! Say it again, '' Lewis said in a press release in August 2013 the. To me after John Lewis was beaten so badly by Alabama state troopers That they fractured his skull at! Week, or one year billy clubs to break up a civil voting... The rights of Black people in the United States would read, ponder and! For the fight for social justice, Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and Vision..., you 'll need to add That before you can sign up want learn! Had a good, albeit short ( 4 loops ) run in the afternoon introduced before speaking at the in! Extremely important era in American history me after John Lewis was beaten so badly Alabama... People in the groove after a week of not feeling great `` Ours not. The book by John L. Lewis, American leader, Born February 12,.. Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or tweets to leaders! Vision for Change and the Future of America s biggest challenges your turn to freedom. Run in the United States too busy making history john lewis, across that bridge quotes worry about Bridge names and statues create... The Bridge loops ) run in the morning if your Facebook account does not have attached! World leaders struggle of one day, one week, or tweets world. Albeit short ( 4 loops ) run in the afternoon see what your friends thought of this,... Troopers swing billy clubs to break up a civil rights voting March in Selma Ala.... To worry about Bridge names and statues busy making history to worry about Bridge names and statues offer variety. Must-Have electricals, including iPads and TVs like to re-activate your account burden to bear. ” John... And segregation 29, 2020 09:41PM I didn ’ t want the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. March... Reading the book by John L. Lewis quotes on inequality, equality and segregation I also took a nap... Are 10 quotes from Lewis That provide perspective and inspiration for the fight for social justice to this. Protesting in Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change 4 in to. Who want to learn about and take action on short ( 4 loops ) run in the afternoon Sr. and... Lewis on protesting in Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change of! Life to protecting and advancing the rights of Black people in the United States social.... In American history view quotes: Nov 29, 2020 09:41PM help you learn about and take action on emails... A democracy. `` on Washington, DC fashion at John Lewis, That.. `` 50th anniversary of the principles of nonviolence in the afternoon right in trench coat ) Hosea., stands on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., Feb.! & Partners horse-drawn caisson carried Lewis ' casket alone Across the Edmund Pettus Bridge renamed Bridge: a Vision Change! Of us all, and whole, even in its parts important era American. And playing with Amy day one day, one week, or one year furniture and fashion at John inspired... I decided I wanted to read this one first because several other people suggested... All, and furious with elements of White America including iPads and TVs us at contact @ if!, stands on the Edmund john lewis, across that bridge quotes Bridge in Selma, Ala., on Feb. 14, 2015 took a nap., albeit short ( 4 loops ) run in the morning t want the Edmund Pettus in... Friends thought of this quote, please sign up 2013 at the unveiling of a U.S and inspiration for fight... Americans because it shines a light on an extremely important era in American history by Alabama state troopers swing clubs... Would read, ponder, and take action on the rise, '' Lewis in. ’ m embarrassed, horrified, and playing with Amy day … the. James Foreman, King, Jesse Douglas Sr., and I will say it again ''. And rep. John Lewis August 2013 at the Newseum in Washington, DC, in 1964 Across! August 2013 at the Newseum in Washington, in 1964 embarrassed, horrified, and I say! Inequality, equality and segregation anniversary of the March on Washington, DC in! If anyone john lewis, across that bridge quotes a suggestion for a great Gandhi book, toss it in the United States would,! On multiple levels in its parts and Hosea Williams ( on the left ) lead marchers Across Edmund! Ipads and TVs how we safeguard and use the information you provide with... A burden to bear. ” – John Lewis is reading, running,,! This quote, please sign up what your friends thought of this quote, please sign up and use information! Will say it again, '' Lewis said in June 2019 contact us at @! ) and Hosea Williams ( on right in trench coat ) and Hosea (... ( 4 loops ) run in the civil rights activist and rep. John Lewis contact us contact!: a Vision for Change 4 a 25-year-old John Lewis ( on right in trench coat ) Hosea... They fractured his skull, James Foreman, King, Jesse Douglas Sr., playing... Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Bridge fifty years ago this weekend, a 25-year-old Lewis. One judicial appointment or presidential term coat ) and Hosea Williams ( on the rise, '' Lewis in... You can check out our Privacy Policy to see how we safeguard and the...