John Lewis 1940-2020
Wondering what you can do in your 20s? Consider John Lewis.
Wondering what you can do in your 70s & 80s? Consider John Lewis.
From being one of the original Freedom Riders in ‘61, to speaking at The March on Washington before Dr. MLK jr. in ‘63, to crossing into Selma with Dr. MLK jr. in ‘65, to 30+ years in Congress (since being elected in Nov. ‘86), & so much more, John Lewis offers us an example of faith-anchored, moral leadership over the long-haul in the midst of the ongoing ambiguities & uncertainties of daily decision-making. Like all of us, Congressman Lewis certainly didn’t get everything right all of the time, but he always pressed on to offer all of us a remarkable example of the profound good that can be accomplished through seeking to care for others over the course of a lifetime.
There’s much available to learn about John Lewis.
I encourage you to read the meaningful 3-vol. “March” graphic novels. Take time to view the 2020 documentary, “John Lewis: Good Trouble”. Read his memoir, “Walking With the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement.” Listen to his March on Washington speech via the NPR link below. Read a few recent articles about his life – I’ll link to some, including ones showcasing some photos posted here:
- https://www.nydailynews.com/photos/ny-life-career-john-lewis-20200718-ugm6yoq3tzaqxho5sithgrfhei-photogallery.html
- https://www.timesofisrael.com/john-lewis-us-civil-rights-and-congress-icon-who-built-jewish-ties-dies-at-80/
- https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/17/us/john-lewis-dead.html
- https://www.npr.org/2020/07/19/890796423/civil-rights-leader-john-lewis-never-gave-up-or-gave-in
In 2018, John Lewis encouraged, “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
How might your actions today be contributing to a lifetime legacy of care for others and the world around you? It’s never to early or too late to choose good.
Per Lewis, remember, “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic.”