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March Two John Lewis: A Life of Courage, Leadership, and Justice

Zachary Cox

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John Lewis, a towering figure in the civil rights movement and a long-serving U.S. Congressman, passed away on July 17, 2020. His life and legacy are a testament to the transformative power of nonviolent resistance, the pursuit of justice, and the belief in the inherent dignity of all human beings.

March: Book Two

by John Lewis

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Language	:	English
File size	:	303951 KB
Print length	:	186 pages

Early Life and Activism

John Robert Lewis was born on February 21, 1940, in Troy, Alabama. Growing up in the segregated South, he witnessed firsthand the injustices and inequalities faced by African Americans. Inspired by the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and the nonviolent philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Lewis became actively involved in the civil rights movement at a young age.

A Young John Lewis Participating In A Civil Rights Demonstration. March: Two John Lewis

Freedom Riders and the Selma Campaign

In 1961, Lewis joined a group of young civil rights activists known as the Freedom Riders who traveled to the Southern United States to challenge segregation in interstate travel. Lewis was beaten and arrested during the campaign, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to nonviolence and equality.

John Lewis As A Freedom Rider Being Attacked By A White Mob. March: Two John Lewis — "We were met with hatred, with rage, with mobs of people screaming, 'Kill them, kill them!' We were beaten, we were thrown into jail, we were firebombed, and we were threatened with death." (John Lewis)

As a leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC),Lewis played a pivotal role in the Selma to Montgomery marches of 1965. Led by King, these marches aimed to secure voting rights for African Americans in Alabama. On March 7, 1965, known as Bloody Sunday, Lewis and other marchers were brutally attacked by Alabama state troopers as they attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

John Lewis Being Beaten By Alabama State Troopers During Bloody Sunday. March: Two John Lewis

Voting Rights Act and Congressional Service

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, passed in response to the Selma campaign, transformed American democracy by prohibiting racial discrimination in voting. Lewis's unwavering activism and sacrifices played a crucial role in its passage.

John Lewis Speaking At The Signing Ceremony Of The Voting Rights Act Of 1965. March: Two John Lewis — "The Voting Rights Act is the most important legislation passed by Congress in the 20th century. It opened up the political process to millions of African Americans and other marginalized communities." (John Lewis)

In 1986, Lewis was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Georgia's 5th Congressional District for 33 years. As a Congressman, Lewis was a tireless advocate for civil rights, voting rights, healthcare, education, and LGBTQ+ equality. He also served as the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Liberties.

John Lewis Speaking On The Floor Of The U.S. House Of Representatives. March: Two John Lewis

Legacy and Impact

John Lewis's life and work have had an immeasurable impact on American history. His courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance have inspired generations of activists and civil rights leaders. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the fight for racial justice and equality.

John Lewis Being Awarded The Presidential Medal Of Freedom By President Barack Obama. March: Two John Lewis — "John Lewis was a giant in the civil rights movement and a true American hero. His life and work will continue to inspire us all for generations to come." (President Barack Obama)

Lewis's legacy extends beyond his own activism. He helped shape public policy, including landmark legislation like the Voting Rights Act. His unwavering belief in the power of peaceful protest and the inherent dignity of all human beings continues to guide the fight for social justice today.

John Lewis's life and work are a reminder that even in the face of adversity and oppression, courage, determination, and a commitment to nonviolence can prevail. His legacy is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who believe in a more just and equitable future.