In 1956 in a segregated elementary public school near Troy, Alabama some students decided to follow the advice of their elementary school teacher who often encouraged her students by saying to them “read, my child, read”. One day, a few students from the school walked to the public library in town to get a library card to borrow some books. Upon arrival, the students were told that blacks were not allowed to borrow books. Congressman John Lewis who died on July 17, 2020 was among those students. He was one of those enthusiastic youths eager to learn and eager to follow the suggestion of their teacher.
In 2016, John Lewis was the recipient of the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. (view the moment here) His first words into the microphone were “This is unreal”, then John proceeded with his acceptance speech. He tearfully recounted the painful recollection from his youthful days when he and his friends were denied a library card to borrow books because of their colour. Congressman John Lewis worked with youth for several years. His awarded book was entitled March. Writing the book fulfilled his dream of passing on to the next generation an event that changed a part of his own world.
John Lewis was a faith-filled man, committed to his country as Congressman for 17 terms from 1940 to his death. A man, who from his youth, was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr and dedicated his life to encouraging, promoting, and protecting human rights. He became known as one of the most courageous persons in the Civil Rights Movement.
We remember Congressman John Lewis with his own words:
“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 Lewis Walking in the Wind.
“Get in trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”
“We are one people, one family, the human family, and what affects one of us, affects us all.” -John Lewis, Across the Bridge
-Sister Mabel St. Louis, csj
