LEWISWhen I saw and read what happened and how it happened, it made me very sad. I fear for the future of our country. Did you have a belief that you know it is true within all of your veins? How do you see their conversion, if you will? John Lewis guided a crowd of pacifist protestors to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on March, 7th, 1965. He built the book around several practices that are essential for social justice work: faith, patience, study, truth, peace, love and reconciliation. I was at Harvard. Scientific Youll get facts and figures grounded in scientific research. Truly an incredible experience reading this book. I respect the dignity and the words of every, every human being. Congressman John Lewis of Georgia is with me. LEWISMore than three million people showed up at the polls at the last national election, and they were turned away. And they cry, they hug me, I cry and hug them back. At its best, the book provides a testament to the power of nonviolence in social movements, with moving personal accounts of the Freedom Rides, such as when Lewis describes being physically beaten in South Carolina or sitting out a 40-day sentence in the unrelenting Parchman Farm prison in Mississippi. That was gonna take us back, and even now, all these many years later, more than 30 states have introduced legislation, and several of the states passed legislation to make it more difficult, to make it almost impossible for many people to register to vote. An intimate account of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis' life, legacy and more than 60 years of extraordinary activism from the bold teenager on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement to the legislative powerhouse he was throughout his career. Every shock was further evidence that our racially fallacious society could not put out the fire for the freedom it felt. LEWISWell, I think it's important for those of us who support marriage equality to continue to talk with these ministers, continue to educate them, to inform them. LEWISDiane, you're so right. REHMThanks for your call, Tommy. You go into the southwest. One thing I enjoyed in the book was all of the small biographical details about leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. With an OverDrive account, you can save your favorite libraries for at-a-glance information about availability. He built the book around several practices that are essential for social justice work: faith, patience, study, truth, peace, love and reconciliation. However, a greater success of him was that he went beyond the pulpit to convey his message through action. We rate each piece of content on a scale of 110 with regard to these two core criteria. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. He has been a member of Congress since 1986. Do join us, 800-433-8850. A helpful and/or enlightening book that has a substantial number of outstanding qualities without excelling across the board, e.g. Be a great teacher. The author, John Lewis, is from a family consisting of sharecroppers in the South in the Jim Crow age and stood up to assist form the movement of civil rights with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After that, he was a leader. LEWISIt is my hope and my prayer that America will continue to move forward whatever happens, but I think there's greater possibility that the country will move forward, and the American people will move forward, with the reelection of President Barack Obama. Hi, Congressman. A helpful and/or enlightening book that stands out by at least one aspect, e.g. You visit the reservations, the way Native Americans have been treated. drpodcast@wamu.org, 4401 Connecticut Avenue NW|Washington, D.C. 20008|(202) 885-1200. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We have lots of callers here. REHMJohn Lewis, Congressman from Georgia. Rep. John Lewis discusses his comic book series March in this special edition of A Word on . It would seem that every time I talk with a former politician, a former member of Congress, they've said to me that part of the reason they voluntarily left is that Capitol Hill is no longer a place where people can come together to do the best for America, that they come together now across lines in hostility. The success of the civil rights movement could only become likely with the people like Lewis that committed to study, plan, and prepare for years. 11:07:45 MS. DIANE REHM Congressman Lewis joins me in the studio. LEWISWell, thank you so much. LEWISWell, you're right. In. His bounty is an example of how actions can be used to show your truth is respectable. Yes, it is particularly applicable in activism. Free shipping for many products! They all support me. How does one bring them along? As the child of sharecroppers,the late Congressman John Lewis helped his parents grow corn, peanuts and cotton. It's been a part of my makeup. Speak up and then move your feet, make some noise. I also wanted to thank him for being such a role model for college students (unintelligible) on that students can change the world for the better. There is constant digital Good Book Summary is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. King got over $50,000, in todays value approximately one-half of a million dollars, in1964 as Nobel Peace Prize. And I'd just like to say that my generation does seem to be faltering a bit, but I'm doing my best to tell my friends and people of my generation of the work that you've done, you know, for me particularly as an Asian American, how much you REHMAlex, Alex I'd be interested to know when you say you see your generation faltering a bit, what do you mean? This may sound contrary to common-sense. Thanks for taking my call. With the passing of this hero of the Civil Rights movement and Conscience of the Congress I think many could benefit from this memoir and extended essay. Ironically, rush and more usually mean less. Mother Theresa, Study: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Like the DL I get that feeling of peace reading Lewis's words, and wonder what it would have been like to be around MLK Jr. and the others that Lewis mentions as being his inspirations and teachers. People believe she was a legend because she rejected handing over her place on the bus to a white person. 2023 Copyright Good Book Summaries [Daily Updated], link to Employee to Entrepreneur by Steve Glaveski [Book Summary - Review], link to Noise by Joseph McCormack [Book Summary - Review]. It's this feeling that I've been down so long and to down and get me down. You're welcome to be part of the conversation. We did have bipartisan bills on the floor and they passed. I deliberately took my time reading this important memoir. In the backpack I had toothpaste and toothbrush. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? If there was ever a book I needed at a certain time, it was this one. The president acted, and the Congress acted, and we got the voting rights in 1965. LEWISAnd we get to the top of the bridge, down below we saw a sea of blue, Alabama State Troopers. Congress. REHMAnd you're listening to "The Diane Rehm Show." A helpful and/or enlightening book that combines two or more noteworthy strengths, e.g. Lewis thought that all of us have a spark inside us of the divine as our light. Since that dreadful day, America has made a big improvement in closing the racial gap. Read a Sample. BILLAnd just secondly real quick, could you speak briefly about my personal hero who you just mentioned, the 39th President of the United States who stood up during this period for civil rights, an area, as you well know, from Albany to Americus that was so difficult. But if people want to go out and organize a third party -- a third, fourth, they have the right to do it. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. This short book is Lewis' guide for the young activists in the world today. The late Congressman John Lewis takes you to a famous bridge where civil rights activists changed history. His new book is titled "Across That Bridge." Across that bridge : life lessons and a vision for change by Lewis, John, 1940 February 21- . At the peak of the bridge, they saw the State troopers and the assigned citizens of Alabama. The Prologue opens on Edmund Pettus Bridge, where Lewis and other protestors face terrible violence from local law enforcement. Martin Luther King Jr., as members of the Congressional Black Caucus gather for the memorial ceremony for the late . That's not good for our society. WAYNEI'm gonna go on the opposite side of the aisle for a little bit. REHMNow, hasn't that been before this Congress? Whatever they do, they should do it in a peaceful, nonviolent, orderly fashion and recreate a truly multiracial democratic society. Reading this book has given me hope and has renewed my resolve to keep working. Why do so many citizens choose not to vote in our elections?". 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 figure helped lead a march for voting rights. However, for John Lewis, all the ambiguity and pain was worthwhile. We don't know how to forgive and just move ahead. There's so much money being spent, and there are going to be more millions and billions of dollars will be spent. It is thought provoking and an excellent summary of the most basic principles of non-violence. "Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America." Lewis speaking atop the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 1, 2020 2. 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. In 2014 Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel wrote in The Atlantic that he planned to refuse medical treatment after age 75. Lewis's Vision for Change" is outstanding. When they read about it, when they saw it on television, heard it on the radio, they start protesting. Members of Congress, like the president, we should be leaders. IN COLLECTIONS . When Lewis encountered hundreds of fully armed cops while standing up in the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, he did not even feel a tiny bit of fright of injury or death. From that organization, Parks learned about events and protests that activists designed to spotlight segregation on the public transit system. It was not a coincidence that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became the leader of the movement. I think what the president and others are going through would encounter the whole question of whether there's legal, born here or not born here, you know, it's shameful. Good morning, David. Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work/Biography. Hachette Books. I was hit in the head by a state trooper with a billy club and had a concussion there on the bridge. And these young people, they get the message of the civil rights movement. The subtitle says it all: This book was one of the most profound, intelligent, thought provoking works I have ever read. And he embraced the people that he grew up with, the black people in the community or Sumter County and Americus and Plains. And you have to use that vote. As always, send your email to drshow@wamu.org. Today, we are still racially divided although we work together and we go to school and we play, but our hearts and our minds still seem to be from the past. He was the author of Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement, Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, and March, a three-part graphic novel series. As I loved his autobiography Walking with the Wind, I was thrilled when my wonderful sister told me about this book and gave me a copy. For experts Youll get the higher-level knowledge/instructions you need as an expert. At the peak of the bridge, they saw the State troopers and the assigned citizens of Alabama. REHMJohn Lewis, he is United States Congressman from Georgia's Fifth District. Civil rights workers > United States > Biography. We need reminded. The late John Lewis offers his thoughts on social activism in this short book. This expression of regret would not have happened if Lewis has sued or defended himself with violence on that day. We look at every kind of content that may matter to our audience: books, but also articles, reports, videos and podcasts. The overall goal of CPN is to further develop a Our first son was born on Saturday, he came two months early and he is AMAZING. He read all the newspapers and history, the theory of politics, and philosophy books he found. 237 Previews . After three days, your trial will expire automatically. A must read for those in the struggle today for equality and fairness. He draws the respect of every colleague on both sides of the partisan aisle. For this, you need to take action. I had the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama in mind. (My students this term have loved it, and it has opened up some very rich conversations.). Another thing I didn't like was the middle of the book in which Lewis gave principles of the movement that should be followed today. LEWISWell, I think the well was poisoned. The sections are titled: faith, patience, study, act, peace, love and reconciliation. BUY THIS BOOK Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change John Lewis. Look to the growing edge! Howard Thurman Edge has its advantages. [] Often an instant classic and must-read for everyone. We should get all of the facts. Background Youll get contextual knowledge as a frame for informed action or analysis. It is no longer believed. The detectives get into their car and chase the dog, which ends up in the middle of the road, dangerously close to the. House > Biography. So people fear, they fear the future. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Across That Bridge : A Vision for Change and the Future of America by John Lewis (2017, Trade Paperback) at the best online prices at eBay! His election, in spite of all of us, it lift our dreams, our aspirations, and we should embrace it even today and just think of the distance, the progress we've made, and do what we can to see that this president succeeds. I take a little bit of -- I guess I get a little bit bristled when I hear the congressman speak in such eloquent tones today of how we should be more civil and less divisive, et cetera, et cetera. Reading this book helped me to feel some hope. I so highly recommend this book. A measure they implemented was something named the Grandfather Clause. Students, fans and supporters of the civil rights movement repeatedly ask Congressman John Lewis the same question: How did you do it?Some wonder how Lewis and his peers pursued civil rights goals when they faced racism, police violence and jail sentences.Others ask how activists remained faithful to their lofty goals in the face of brutal hypocrisy. Barack Obama praised John Lewis at his funeral: Like many US citizens, I am greatly indebted to John Lewis and his powerful vision of freedom.. When the dog sees Calloway heading toward the bridge, he bounds after him. We studied Thoreau in civil disobedience. But because of what happened there, we didn't give up. REHMAnd to, pardon me, Wayne in Virginia. In the final book published before his passing, 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 . Especially, you should design behaviors encompassing inclusion and inspiration, not exclusion and alienation. So for young people, seniors, it's hard -- it'll be difficult. contains uncommonly novel ideas and presents them in an engaging manner. We didn't know what was gonna happen. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Marianne Williamson, Truth: The truth is incontrovertible. In this engaging memoir, he details his journey through rural Alabama, the 1960s-era voting rights protests and the halls of Congress. This clause let anybody vote without any obstacle if their grandfathers had the right to vote. And also the other question is, this will be quick, as far as coming from other countries giving birth to our children in the United States being American citizens, would they undergo this (unintelligible) that Romney and the rest of the Republican party who are (unintelligible) are our children gonna be going through this, and what should we do in order not to go through what Barack Obama, our president, is going through today? After many years as an activist and organizer, John Lewis served in the House of Representatives from 1987-2020. Its not a primer for non-violent change but rather a pathway to change. My position is very, very simple. Instead, such violence would conceal Wilsons fault and it would be much harder for him to realize his guilt and accept it boldly. They do not care about raising indigence, joblessness, unsafe food, homelessness, and obstacles to health care. As Henry Louis Gates, a Harvard professor, stated, the test was so challenging that his counterpart could find the correct response to only one question. John Lewis, in full John Robert Lewis, (born February 21, 1940, near Troy, Alabama, U.S.died July 17, 2020, Atlanta, Georgia), American civil rights leader and politician best known for his chairmanship of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and for leading the march that was halted by police violence on the Edmund Pettus Bridge The most important lesson Congressman Lewis provides is the necessity of inner transformation. For the past year,Carole Martinand I have been co-facilitating a network leadership program supported by the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund called theCommunity Practitioners Network(CPN). Now 65, he and Diane revisit his provocative essay. 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