Congressman John Lewis is indeed an American icon. He adherred to nonviolent protest, consistent with the example of Mahtma Gandhi. Lewis was arrested more than 40 times challengeing segregation around the South.
Lewis led the civil rights march over the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The marchers were confronted by state troopers wielding truncheons and charged by troopers on horseback. Lewis suffered a serious skull fracture. His blood with that of other marchers stained the bridge. The outrage following the carnage resulted in the 1965 Voting Rights Act. In 1986 Lewis was elected to the United States Congress and later referred to as, “The conscience of the Congress.” He was the key factor responsible for the establishment of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
John Lewis supported the Black Lives Matter movement. One of his last acts was to go to Washington D. C., and stand where it was painted on 16th Street NW. John Lewis expressed faith in the youth of America. He challenged us all to stay involved, to make, “good trouble” Let’s all do that by voting in November.
As Lewis so touchingly said, “We are all brothers and sisters. We live in the same house.”
Conrad Thompson
Granite Falls
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
