John Lewis & Redeeming the Soul of America
Civil rights icon, Rep. John Lewis left us a message to be printed upon the day of his funeral. It's a powerful essay about the struggle for equality in America that reminds us that the job isn't finished. It speaks to Black Lives Matter, to the death of George Floyd, to the rise of Donald Trump and the white nationalist movement, and it speaks to our better angels. Lewis asks us all to pick up the torch that he and so many other brave Americans carried for more than six decades, to finally put hate and racism behind us.
John Lewis, New York Times: "Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring."
Three former presidents, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will attend services today for Lewis at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, with Obama delivering a eulogy. Donald Trump is not scheduled to attend and that says quite a bit about our current President. But, it's also fitting because Trump represents the last stand for those who have fought a rear-guard action against equality in America. Rep. Lewis, however, envisaged a future for the nation without divisions based solely on race, religion, gender or any other meaningless designations that we have used in the past to divide us.
John Lewis, New York Times: "When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide."
Rest in peace John Lewis. You represented the best of America and we hope that we can live up to your vision.
By: Don Lam & Curated Content
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