Illustration by Nicholas Konrad/The New York Times; photograph by Nashville Police Department
We've been very aware of the failing health of US Congressman John Lewis, one the few remaining public figures who were vitally involved in the Civil Rights Movement, literally marching and speaking alongside Martin Luther King Jr.. Back in January of 2017 I wrote about March, the series of three graphic novels about Lewis' activism. The books illustrate how Lewis was grounded in his Christian faith in the quest for justice and equality for Black people in America. As a child he aspired to be a preacher and was eventually ordained as a Baptist minister.
We've been saying we'll watch the recently released documentary, John Lewis: Good Trouble to remind ourselves of his convictions and legacy. Now we must.
Lewis died of cancer yesterday, at the age of 80, having lived a life of Christian conviction and public service. The tributes have been pouring in, including gracious words from former president, Barack Obama. Not surprisingly, the mean-spirited man currently on a golf course rather than in the Oval Office has said nothing. DT and Lewis sparred verbally more than once and he made no secret of the fact that he despised this exceptional man.
John Lewis dancing to Happy
It may be as important now than as ever to revisit the courageous contributions of heroes such as John Lewis who walked the peaceable but unflinching pathways to justice. They opened the way for what is unfolding now, not only in American society but in countries around the world.
Here are some links to articles and testimonies:
https://medium.com/@BarackObama/my-statement-on-the-passing-of-rep-john-lewis-fa86761cd964
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/17/opinion/john-lewis.html
https://sojo.net/articles/congressman-john-lewis-tells-story-march-selma-montgomery-video
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