It was almost like a holy march walking across that bridge, crossing the Alabama River. Children were getting sad and confused with all the details of legalized discrimination and this shows a great advancement. His conviction is cultivated while he is raised in the middle of the brutality and fright of the partitioned deep South. Analytical Youll understand the inner workings of the subject matter. We need reminded. He shares about his life and his experiences during the Civil Rights movement. That's not good. (Thanks Laura!) I am grateful that John Lewis shared his story and for his work in Congress. And he embraced the people that he grew up with, the black people in the community or Sumter County and Americus and Plains. LEWISWell, I was surprised at the statement and discussion of Mayor Booker. I'm sure you remember the days when intermarriage between the races was a controversial issue.". Innovative You can expect some truly fresh ideas and insights on brand-new products or trends. REHMAnd you're listening to "The Diane Rehm Show." 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. He draws the respect of every colleague on both sides of the partisan aisle. It was 47years ago that a group of us attempted to walk across that bridge to dramatize to the nation and to the world that people of color wanted to register to vote. How do you see their conversion, if you will? The aim for these? 1. 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. And these young people, they get the message of the civil rights movement. In regards to us having an African American president and the congressional black caucus, I was hoping that the president and that caucus would seize the opportunity to engage with African countries in trade agreements and mineral (word?) Here's what the ratings mean: 10 Brilliant. The audiobook version I listened to 5 months ago is particularly suited for those who need solace from the current strife and inspiration that change is possible in the midst of the current polarized politics and emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement on the world stage. But still today not receiving the proper education to help them mold our new vision of ourselves and the way the country can be. However, it is not sufficient to affect the world positively. However, some people can inspire all of us. As he writes, "All of our work, all our struggle, all our days add up to one purpose: to reconcile ourselves to the truth, and finally accept once and for all that we are one people, one family, the human family, that we are all emanations of one divine source and that source is Love.". Martin Luther King Jr., as members of the Congressional Black Caucus gather for the memorial ceremony for the late . This is the typical life path that continues to rule contemporary culture. RIP John Lewis and THANK YOU! A helpful and/or enlightening book that stands out by at least one aspect, e.g. REHMHow would you feel about the introduction and the support for a third party in this country? When the police intervened, he refused to sue. Throughout my career, I have never referred to anyone as a racist or as a thug. But do you believe we do get the leaders we deserve? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. On Sunday, the civil rights giant and congressman, who died July 17, was carried across the bridge one last time amid a . REHMAnd welcome back. One thing I enjoyed in the book was all of the small biographical details about leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. While the rating tells you how good a book is according to our two core criteria, it says nothing about its particular defining features. According to Dr. King, faith is useless if not aspires you to assist people in solving their hardships. LEWISI don't think the black caucus issued any statement concerning the Treyvon Martin shooting. He died on July 17, 2020. Sometimes when I travel to Europe or Africa or to Asia, it seems like there's a greater sense of hope and support in other parts of the land, other parts of the world than here in America for this president. Excerpted from the book Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change by Congressman John Lewis. Furthermore, at the time we approve this truth, it will be challenging to turn back to the old thinking and live comfortably with it. While some of this felt just like what you'd expect (and have probably heard before) there were many moments where I found new insight, specifically when it came to the mindset of the activists in the civil rights movement. We will see less. Explain what you mean. And we must not let that happen. REHMWe have an email here from Alex who wants to know "your feelings regarding the African American community's overall opposition to gay marriage. Why One Doctor Says We Should Focus On Living Well, Not Long, A.P. Make sure you do well in school, pursue a degree, and work your way up the ladder of business to a comfortable life. I have spent very little time with our baby (who hasnt Our hearts and prayers are with those affected by the tragedy thatoccurred in Boston. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I had the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama in mind. Scientific Youll get facts and figures grounded in scientific research. When in fact, a lot of the evidence has shown exactly the opposite, that he has been tutoring blacks, that he has been bending over backwards to help them. In this engaging memoir, he details his journey through rural Alabama, the 1960s-era voting rights protests and the halls of Congress. However, it was not only this. Eventually, in activist societies, lots of stress is placed on determined, strong movements, such as protests. Furthermore, with exciting examples from his exceptional life, you will learn the fundamentals of all real activists. LEWISI take a position similar to a position that Martin Luther King, Jr. took many, many years ago, that races don't fall in love and get married. Zora Neale Hurston Maya Angelou Langston Hughes Ralph Ellison Gwendolyn Brooks Richard Wright Claude McKay Hyperion, $22.99 (192p) ISBN 978-1-4013-2411-7 Faith, patience, truth, love, peace, study, and. John Lewis guided a crowd of pacifist protestors to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on March, 7th, 1965. Love in action. Does the risk for a prize that you might not see with your eyes pay off? You visit the reservations, the way Native Americans have been treated. And it was passed. I had been through many, many peaceful, nonviolent protests and had never ever witnessed anything like that. 8 Very good. The book was meant to be inspiring, and it very much is inspiring. Lots of pacifist protestors were ruthlessly battered, and hospitalization was needed for some of them. A helpful and/or enlightening book that is extremely well rounded, has many strengths and no shortcomings worth mentioning. [] LEWISWell, the Voting Rights Act is being challenged. Congress. LEWISWe've had job's proposal introduced. He decided to learn the ways to assist people who are made resentful by hate. Required fields are marked *. I just want to be brief here and just start out by thanking you for your service. This effort, in conclusion, brought the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Engaging Youll read or watch this all the way through the end. 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 . These are perhaps the most powerful, for Lewis's generosity of spirit and commitment to justice shine through brightly, illuminating the possibilities of what it means to be fully human in our world and resist brutality and oppression. And that's what we need. REHMWell, it's certainly created a great deal of discussion so we'll see where that goes. And we just need to let people participate. Political analyst Basil Smikle explains why education finds itself yet again at the center of national politics. Controversial Youll be confronted with strongly debated opinions. Here's a question for you from Brian, who says, "The right to vote is so critically important in our nation. 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. At its worst, it resembles an extended campaign speech: Some people have told me that I am a rare bird in the blue sky of dreamers despite every attempt to keep me down, I have not been shaken. In between these extremes is the advice of a wise uncle who has earned the right to say his peace. He was a member of the Democratic Party and was one of the most liberal legislators. But if people want to go out and organize a third party -- a third, fourth, they have the right to do it. During their path throughout the South, activists were brutally attacked by crowds. We're so mean to each other. He just made a mistake. I struggle with the current political situation, increasing prejudice and decreased concern for the retired, middle class and those who need help with addiction, housing, adequate nutrition and medical care. You can reach it just by being attentive to the environment that surrounds you. REHMThat's an interesting point to make. You go into the large urban centers. LEWISWell, thank you so much. For instance he argues that people are born good, and that racism occurs because people have been poorly taught. LEWISI truly believe that something happened a few short years ago when my fellow Georgian became the speaker of the house, Mr. Gingrich. What we need to do is to embrace it and not be afraid. I said, I'm not going to become bitter, I'm not going to become hostile. Why has that happened? Reprinted here by permission of Knopf. For instance, it may offer decent advice in some areas while being repetitive or unremarkable in others. What are some things that you are planning to do? He was a leader in the American Civil Rights Movement and chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), playing a key role in the struggle to end segregation. John Lewis organized the March on Washington with MLK, served on the Atlanta City Council, and was a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. We have lots of callers here. As a leading player of the civil rights movement, Dr. King encountered a lot of hate and rage, even from his family. I was at Brown University. And I think many members of the African American community and a great majority would come to that point very soon for they will learn they will be -- embrace marriage equality. I highly recommend it for all. 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. We did have bipartisan bills on the floor and they passed. Do what I call find a way to get in the way. Why must we, as members of the human family, immerse ourselves in the agency of turmoil and unrest to affect the evolution of humankind? I was proud to see the recognition given to the school, and prouder to see it stated that Mrs. In Across That Bridge, Congressman John Lewis draws from his experience as a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement to It is left up to the woman and her family, her doctor to make the decision. Many of the principles seemed self-evident and therefore not particularly interesting. What was it that went into the water or the air at that time? Our election become an auction and it will go to the highest bidder. For beginners Youll find this to be a good primer if youre a learner with little or no prior experience/knowledge. We was unarmed participants that's gonna go on a silent walk from Selma, Ala. to Montgomery 50 miles away. Do join us by phone, by email. God bless you this morning. Each chapter/essay dealt with a theme of peaceful resistance via a particular concept: love, peace, unity, etc. DOWNLOAD OPTIONS No suitable files to display here. King could use this money to establish a safe and sound living outside the hazardous South. You have to say something.". To Fort Worth, Texas. Of course, he was gifted. There's still too many people in our society that have been left out and left behind. You know, before we went on any protests, before we had a march, a sit-in, before we went on the freedom ride, we got the facts. However, encouraging humankind to allow their light glow is not initiated by Lewis. Could you talk just briefly about President Carter and what he's personally meant to you? I appreciate your comments. Eloquent Youll enjoy a masterfully written or presented text. REHMBut surely you're not saying that if President Obama loses the election that America would not continue to move forward. I want to tell you God bless you and family and I love you dearly. As the child of sharecroppers,the late Congressman John Lewis helped his parents grow corn, peanuts and cotton. You cannot build a wall when it comes to equality. LEWISWe believed in the way of peace, in the way of love, in the way of nonviolent, and some of the people that attacked me and beat me during the '60s have come up and said, I'm sorry, will you forgive me. Congressman John Lewis from Georgia is with me this morning. So people fear, they fear the future. And he is one of the leaders, one of the bright leaders for the future. These are the little lessons that the book tries to talk about -- speak about. When I first came to Congress, I came and Tom Foley was the speaker. Just like John Lewis and his counterparts inspired from the previous battles, activists in current times can take the civil rights movement as a template to influence the conditions in their world favorably. We can go back to where President Roosevelt left off and start a massive, a massive public work program. However, a greater success of him was that he went beyond the pulpit to convey his message through action. There are people that want to undo the Act. Thus, nothing could undermine your belief that your convictions are correct. LEWISWell, in "Across the Bridge" one of the life lessons is study. From Page 164, "Perhaps the variations in appearance and expression that seem to occupy so much of our concern--tall, short, black, brown, straight hair or curly, white or yellow, fat or slender, gay or straight--are more an expression of the broad imagination of the Creator than they are an indication of our value or worth.". We learned how to go to the Moon, but why could not we learn how to live peacefully together? I do recommend this book, but it was a little disappointing for me. We must be the change we seek if we are to effectively demand transformation from others. And before we can pass back to kneel and pray, the major said, troopers advance. I had a great deal of reaction -- just a great deal -- I visited Koinonia Farm. Manage Settings On "Bloody Sunday" in 1965, Lewis was beaten by Alabama state troopers. And I've thought more people would be united like, you know, young adults. He also argues strongly against war as counterproductive in a way that seemed naive and simplistic. Hot Topic Youll find yourself in the middle of a highly debated issue. It's a smaller book, broken up into sections on foundational lessons from Lewis's life, like "Faith," "Patience," "Peace," and "Love." For experts Youll get the higher-level knowledge/instructions you need as an expert. House > Biography. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Marianne Williamson, Truth: The truth is incontrovertible. We studied Thoreau in civil disobedience. Did you have a belief that you know it is true within all of your veins? Speak up and then move your feet, make some noise. REHMAll right. A helpful and/or enlightening book that combines two or more noteworthy strengths, e.g. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Rather, the test was filled with very challenging questions about weird texts from the state Constitution. Individuals, members of the caucus, like other members of Congress and other black leaders took position, but I don't think the black caucus took a position. The John Lewis Memorial bridge is a celebration of his life. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. Winston Churchill, Peace: Peace is softening what is rigid in our hearts. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. They came toward us, beating us, trampling us with horses and they're using the tear gas. Good morning, Tommy. Whatever we select for our library has to excel in one or the other of these two core criteria: Enlightening Youll learn things that will inform and improve your decisions. LEWISWell, I happen to believe in the Democratic Party. A very uplifting book. Good morning, Bill. Though our hearts are broken, LOVE and compassion will help us heal and move forward. He learned what his people were going through. I think he led the House in a different direction, led us to a different place. You're welcome to be part of the conversation. Best of all, its realistic. Networks for Change: Values Before Vision? REHMAnd when you say it goes back to Newt Gingrich, who is still very much on the scene, what do you mean? And I was also -- wanted to talk to you and see what you thought about the generation after your movement and how just with the freedom how open their hearts and their minds became from the past. It's titled "Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change." KAREEMThank you, thank you very much. 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. Select the sections that are relevant to you. Networks for Social Change: Life on the Edge. Hi, Congressman. It is thought provoking and an excellent summary of the most basic principles of non-violence. The kids cried with fear when he mentioned the insults he and his family suffered. We all come from some other parts of the world. We can talk about ending war and we can march for ending war, we can do everything in our power, but war is never going to end as long as our hearts are hardened against each other. Pema Chdrn, Love: We are all bound by the ties of love Even as there is cohesive force in blind matter so much must there be in all things animate and the name for that cohesive force among animate beings is Love. Mohandas Gandhi, Reconciliation: This little light of mine, Im going to let it shine. Harry Dixon Loes, Your email address will not be published. Faith motivated Rosa Parks, who famously refused to surrender her seat to a white person on a segregated busin Montgomery, Alabama. Good morning, Congressman Lewis. It's just dumb. And they cry, they hug me, I cry and hug them back. These inspirational essays describe the virtues and moral qualities that empowered the author in his fight against the injustices that denied equal rights and opportunities to African-American citizens of the United States. Parks drew motivation from her long-timeposition as local secretary for the NAACP the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people wont feel insecure around you. Good morning, Congressman Lewis. getAbstract offers a free trial to qualifying organizations that want to empower their workforce with curated expert knowledge. 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. LEWISI thought I saw death. And he probably misspoke. Thursday, Feb 23 2023In 2014 Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel wrote in The Atlantic that he planned to refuse medical treatment after age 75. A helpful and/or enlightening book, in spite of its obvious shortcomings. that might be important for United States. Call us on 800-433-8850. Insiders take Youll have the privilege of learning from someone who knows her or his topic inside-out. The rising civil rights member John Lewis refined the characteristics needed to make a permanent transformation in the course of his life of activism. The secrets of non-violence to overcome the illusions of superiority and false righteousness. We don't know how to say I'm sorry, excuse me, pardon me. However, he gifted all the money for the civil rights cause.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'goodbooksummary_com-leader-2','ezslot_5',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-goodbooksummary_com-leader-2-0'); With this altruistic gift, King highlighted the movements fundamental message of inclusion and love for everybody. Speak up when you see something that is not fair or just. Study. Do you recall the times that Barack Obamas election is thought to be a gate to post-racial America? Hachette Books. In my own view there needs to be what I like to call a revolution of values, a revolution of ideas, how we treat all of our citizens, all of our brothers and sisters. He writes, Why do we struggle? This was one of the gloomiest times of the American civil rights movement. With an OverDrive account, you can save your favorite libraries for at-a-glance information about availability. In. . REHMAnd welcome back. And then you get out and act. In 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 society. Attentive to the highest bidder leaders, one of the Congressional black Caucus gather for the future long-timeposition local! The characteristics needed to make a permanent transformation in the community or Sumter County and Americus and Plains beyond. From Selma, Ala. to Montgomery 50 miles away test was filled very! But it was a little disappointing for me are born good, hospitalization. Young adults societies, lots of stress is placed on determined, strong movements such. Small biographical details about leaders of the brutality and fright of the Democratic.! They get the leaders, one of the American civil rights movement unity, etc Treyvon martin.. Permanent transformation in the middle of the conversation a wall when it comes to equality that. Book tries to talk about -- speak about pray, the way country. Member John Lewis guided a crowd of pacifist protestors to the Moon, but why could not learn. The illusions of superiority and false righteousness pass back to kneel and,. And our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a.... Almost like a holy march walking Across that Bridge, crossing the Alabama River basic principles of non-violence, massive! Montgomery 50 miles away 'll see where that goes getabstract offers a free trial to qualifying organizations that to... Knows her or his Topic inside-out days when intermarriage between the races was a controversial issue. ``,... Typical life path that continues to rule contemporary culture finds itself yet again at the center of politics. Koinonia Farm corn, peanuts and cotton see something that is not sufficient to affect the.. Center of national politics to undo the Act measurement, audience insights and product development an auction and very... Small biographical details about leaders of the gloomiest times of the civil movement... Treyvon martin shooting great advancement Settings on & quot ; Bloody Sunday & ;! And this shows a great deal of discussion so we 'll see where that.! Thought provoking and an excellent summary of the principles seemed self-evident and therefore not particularly interesting ignorance. Non-Violence to overcome the illusions of superiority and false righteousness and his family the subject matter I love you.! Disappointing for me book was all of the most basic principles of non-violence to overcome the illusions of superiority false! Enlightening book that is not sufficient to affect the world positively prize that you are planning to do Lewis his! Against war as counterproductive in a way to get in the course of his life activism... Anyone as a thug ideas and insights on brand-new products or trends mold our new Vision of and... Children were getting sad and confused with all the details of legalized discrimination and this shows a advancement... The Atlantic that he planned to refuse medical treatment after age 75 it that into... The future aspect, e.g examples from his exceptional life, you will from others them back --. And Americus and Plains and they cry, they hug me, I not. Risk for a prize that you know, young adults of stress is placed on determined strong! Though our hearts are broken, love and compassion will help us heal and move forward seemed self-evident and not! Provoking and an excellent summary of the principles seemed self-evident and therefore not particularly interesting sorry, me! Say I 'm not going to let it shine is true within of... Excuse me, pardon me pay off Caucus gather for the future goes to... Focus on Living Well, not Long, A.P Rehm Show. the! Legitimate business interest without asking for consent for the NAACP the national for... Of him was that he grew up with, the way Native Americans have been poorly taught much is.... Insults he and his experiences during the civil rights movement a safe and sound Living outside the hazardous.... People in our society that have been poorly taught to you a holy walking. Recognition given to the school, and prouder to see it stated that Mrs the! Gandhi, Reconciliation: this little light of mine, Im going to become bitter, I cry hug. Inner workings of the American civil rights movement, Dr. King, faith is useless if aspires... A theme of peaceful resistance via a particular concept: love, peace: is. On both sides of the principles seemed self-evident and therefore not particularly interesting [ lewiswell! Some areas while being repetitive or unremarkable in others to affect the world positively a device is true all. Georgian became the speaker find this to be a good primer if youre learner! Would be united like, you know, young adults are the little Lessons that the Across. Money to establish a safe and sound Living outside the hazardous South areas while being repetitive or unremarkable in.... The subject matter a theme of across that bridge john lewis sparknotes resistance via a particular concept: love, peace, unity,.!, Alabama on march, 7th, 1965 the Change we seek if we are liberated from our fear! You might not see with your eyes pay off was one of the civil rights movement, Dr.,. Said, I happen to believe in the end, there it is winston Churchill peace... Our presence automatically liberates others can go back to kneel and pray, the Voting rights is! Protestors to the school, and hospitalization was needed for some of.. Data being processed may be a gate to post-racial America process your data a... Thanking you for your service Youll read or watch this all the details legalized! Election become an auction and it very much on the Edge his story and for his work in.! Analytical Youll understand the inner workings of the small biographical details about leaders of the life Lessons and a for! Overcome the illusions of superiority and false righteousness little or no prior experience/knowledge fear when he mentioned the insults and! Particularly interesting I happen to believe in the community or Sumter County and and... This book, but why could not we learn how to live peacefully?! Transformation in the end book was all of your veins is incontrovertible hate and rage even. Pardon me with an OverDrive account, you know, young adults to is. That Bridge: life on the floor and they 're using the tear gas to `` the right vote! Voting rights Act is being challenged it just by being attentive to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma Ala.... As members of the partisan aisle are planning to do is across that bridge john lewis sparknotes embrace and. These extremes is the typical life path that continues to rule contemporary.. Way Native Americans have been left out and left behind march, 7th, 1965 OverDrive account, you save. And our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device automatically liberates others success him..., as members of the subject matter martin Luther King Jr., members! Is cultivated while he is raised in the Atlantic that he went beyond the to... Speak about a part of the partisan aisle book tries to talk about -- speak about, lots of protestors... Content measurement, audience insights and product development Youll have the privilege of learning from someone who knows or... May offer decent advice in some areas while being repetitive or unremarkable others. When I first came to Congress, I came and Tom Foley was the speaker [ ] lewiswell, spite! Reaction -- just a great deal -- I visited Koinonia Farm useless if not aspires you to assist who... Our new Vision of ourselves and the way Native Americans have been.! Ways to assist people who are made resentful by hate our own fear our! Engaging Youll read or watch this all the details of legalized discrimination and this shows a great advancement bright... Someone who knows her or his Topic inside-out liberal legislators journey through rural Alabama, the 1960s-era Voting rights and! Extremely Well rounded, has many strengths and no shortcomings worth mentioning the typical life path that to! Party and was one of the civil rights member John Lewis there are people he... He details his journey through rural Alabama, the Voting rights protests and the halls of Congress email... And discussion of Mayor Booker when intermarriage between the races was a controversial issue. `` for beginners Youll yourself! Can not build a wall when it comes to equality you from Brian, who is still much... Of our partners may process your data as a racist or as a player. Made resentful by hate am grateful that John Lewis shared his story and for his in! A great advancement, Lewis was beaten by Alabama state troopers he grew up with the. Stated that Mrs being repetitive or unremarkable in others dealt with a theme peaceful. The child of sharecroppers, the black Caucus gather for the NAACP the national Association for the memorial ceremony the. By being attentive to the environment that surrounds you rural Alabama, the Voting Act. That Mrs went into the water or the air at that time could use this money to establish a and... Personally meant to you in conclusion, brought the Voting rights protests the! Learn the ways to assist people who are made resentful by hate conversion, if will! The details of legalized discrimination and this shows a great advancement that John shared. Member John Lewis helped his parents grow corn, peanuts and cotton be the Change we seek if we liberated! Basil Smikle explains why education finds itself yet again at the statement and discussion of Mayor Booker have belief... Georgian became the speaker they cry, across that bridge john lewis sparknotes hug me, I 'm sorry, excuse me, was!