God bless you this morning. I love how devoted he was and is to nonviolent social change, how he continues to live the dream that many gave up on in the late 1960s, and his support of current civil rights issues of gay rights and educational equality. And we just need to let people participate. And also good morning to Congressman Lewis. He died on July 17, 2020. The most important lesson Congressman Lewis provides is the necessity of inner transformation. LEWISDiane, what I try to suggest that in these times, in these days that we live, something is going wrong in our society. Though our hearts are broken, LOVE and compassion will help us heal and move forward. DAVIDWhat I wanted to call about is when I teach media history, we talk about the coverage of Pettus Bridge broke on the media and interrupted the Nuremberg trial the first time it was shown on network television. It's just dumb. It was not a coincidence that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became the leader of the movement. Did you have a belief that you know it is true within all of your veins? (My students this term have loved it, and it has opened up some very rich conversations.). TOMMYCongressman John Lewis, wow, what an honor and a privilege. I hope that these words of Congressman Lewis, plus the introductory quotes for each chapter will whet your appetite for the whole book. REHMAnd to, pardon me, Wayne in Virginia. Free shipping for many products! Overview Youll get a broad treatment of the subject matter, mentioning all its major aspects. I had been through many, many peaceful, nonviolent protests and had never ever witnessed anything like that. This ignorance comes from the thought that the world differs for different races. He read all the newspapers and history, the theory of politics, and philosophy books he found. Good morning to you. At the peak of the bridge, they saw the State troopers and the assigned citizens of Alabama. Every shock was further evidence that our racially fallacious society could not put out the fire for the freedom it felt. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Copyright Interaction Institute for Social Change. But do you believe we do get the leaders we deserve? Favorable and peaceful actions just enhance and develop a place for more light. Historian Douglas Brinkley says Congressman John Lewis is that most rare of politicians. Nowadays, it's frequently challenging to focus. More than fifty million of our citizens are not even registered to vote. But can anything really change? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Each chapter/essay dealt with a theme of peaceful resistance via a particular concept: love, peace, unity, etc. His new book is titled "Across that Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change." Does it tell something about human advancement? It is a symbol of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights. But we shouldn't be going around putting people down because of their age, race, class. Lewis devoted his life to stimulate his companion people to turn their inner sparks into fires. REHMAnd now that Voting Rights Act is in some ways being challenged. You visit the reservations, the way Native Americans have been treated. The book outlines a process for peaceful protest. Rooted in the teachings of Ghandi, Kennedy, King, Mandela and other champions of non-violent activism, this book reads like a beautiful melody. Scientific Youll get facts and figures grounded in scientific research. What was your reaction to that? What happened? LEWISWell, I was surprised at the statement and discussion of Mayor Booker. Does the risk for a prize that you might not see with your eyes pay off? We can do much better. REHMThanks for your call, Tommy. 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 . LEWISWell, I happen to believe in the Democratic Party. The tale of John Lewis is sufficient to demonstrate that since he went through verbal swears, assassinations, and 40 arrests. REHMWhat about the ministers of the African American church and their opposition? 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? LEWISDiane, you're so right. King got over $50,000, in todays value approximately one-half of a million dollars, in1964 as Nobel Peace Prize. Throughout my career, I have never referred to anyone as a racist or as a thug. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. Hi, Congressman. Reading this on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington was fitting. Tip O'Neill was the outgoing speaker, and it was a different climate, a different environment that people did meet. Furthermore, at the time we approve this truth, it will be challenging to turn back to the old thinking and live comfortably with it. And they cry, they hug me, I cry and hug them back. With love, they allowed Black people to see that they are not lower in status. 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. 237 Previews . Short break and we'll be right back. Why do so many citizens choose not to vote in our elections?". IN COLLECTIONS . Today we seldom do anything in a bipartisan fashion. We was unarmed participants that's gonna go on a silent walk from Selma, Ala. to Montgomery 50 miles away. I believe that we are all a spark of the divine, and if that spark is nurtured it can become a burning flame, an eternal force of light. Concrete Examples Youll get practical advice illustrated with examples of real-world applications or anecdotes. Make sure you do well in school, pursue a degree, and work your way up the ladder of business to a comfortable life. I loved this book (read it in one sitting) and as Douglas Brinkley says in his foreward every young person should read this homily on civility. Lewis is no pie-in-the-sky hippie. His new book is titled "Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change." 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. He thought rancor existed at unprecedented levels that were even not observed in the 1960s. Therefore, we use a set of 20 qualities to characterize each book by its strengths: Applicable Youll get advice that can be directly applied in the workplace or in everyday situations. This exemplifies the potential of activism even in current days. An instance of the success of the movement could be observed in the talk of Lewis about the bad old days with kids of the partitioned South. 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. REHMAnd when you say it goes back to Newt Gingrich, who is still very much on the scene, what do you mean? Thank you for the very kind words. While at times he comes off as overly optimistic about the future of America and the potentialities of people throughout the world, he lived a life that confirms what he says, and he earned that optimism. Background Youll get contextual knowledge as a frame for informed action or analysis. LEWISYou know, during the '60s, the late A. Philip Randolph used to say when people talk about where people are from, he say, well, maybe our foremothers and our forefathers all came to this great land in different ships, we all in the same boat now. Getting to know how life should be and constructing a plan for executing it. LEWISWhat happened March 7, 1965 in Selma, that Sunday became known as Bloody Sunday. We should be examples for the American people. We all are legal. 3 Favorites. 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. How do you see their conversion, if you will? Reading this book has given me hope and has renewed my resolve to keep working. I'm Diane Rehm. REHMAnd surely that's got to be one of the life lessons that you talk about in "Across the Bridge.". People need to be brave and courageous and speak up when you see something that is not right. ESAGood morning, Diane. The right to vote is precious. We continued to walk. Legislators > United States > Biography. Look at Lewis fellow and counterpart Rosa Parks. LEWISThat's not good for America. The casket of Rep. John Lewis moves over the Edmund Pettus Bridge by horse drawn carriage during a memorial service for Lewis in Selma, Ala., on July 26, 2020. However, for John Lewis, all the ambiguity and pain was worthwhile. She was stating that she had a strength that nobody under no circumstance, even if it is confinement or imprisonment, can clear it off. This is the typical life path that continues to rule contemporary culture. In between 1900 to 2000, around 33 million troops and 54 million nonmilitary people died in the war. On Sunday, the civil rights giant and congressman, who died July 17, was carried across the bridge one last time amid a . And he probably misspoke. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. To find solutions, he examined all the prime philosophers and theologians and obtained a Ph.D. along the way. LEWISWell, thank you so much. Study the path of others to make your way easier and more abundant. 1 Review . Good morning, Congressman Lewis. Stay up-to-date with emerging trends in less time. And that juxtaposition seemed to be very powerful and I wanted to get the congressman's reaction to that. The project consists of 4 main parts: Bridge spans over I-5 REHMIf you could, would you do away with the filibuster? So this country is a country of immigrants. Let's go to Columbus, Ohio. You know, we talk an awful lot in this country about voting and the people who do vote, the people who don't vote, the people who now cannot vote. REHMThat's an interesting point to make. REHMAnd I'm so happy to have you here. 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. 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. I was proud to see the recognition given to the school, and prouder to see it stated that Mrs. That's not good for our society. (202) 885-1231 We're committed to helping #nextgenleaders. I know the mayor. I'm a member of the Democratic Party. You also have this chance. 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. I just returned from attending graduation of some of the leading colleges and universities in America. And to see these young people -- I shouldn't get into name -- I shouldn't start calling colleges and universities, but they understand. Good morning, Bill. We did have bipartisan bills on the floor and they passed. Lewis makes frequent references to examples from history, and the words of peaceful leaders of the past, to support his points. But because of what happened there, we didn't give up. 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. Eloquent Youll enjoy a masterfully written or presented text. 800-433-8850. With an engaged electorate once again confronting questions of social inequality, there's no better time to revisit Congressman John Lewis of Georgia is with me. I want to tell you God bless you and family and I love you dearly. BILLGood morning, Diane. I have always admired John Lewis. Still, he is pointed as an excellent orator. So you have to be prepared. Thank you. We studied Thoreau in civil disobedience. To register, they needed to be tested whether they can read and write. What we need to do is to embrace it and not be afraid. They all support me. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Why has that happened? That's not good. Here's what the ratings mean: 10 Brilliant. The most brutal century was the twentieth century in modern history. . He's a person of tremendous faith and he believes that we all are brothers and sisters, that we're one people, we're one family with one house. There are people that want to undo the Act. We were consciously aware that unity was our ultimate goal, and if that was truly our aim, we had come to grips with the fact that after all the warring was done, reconciliation, love, and forgiveness would have the final say.. Books we rate below 5 wont be summarized. It's titled "Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change." Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. Sometimes I wonder whether it's in the water we drink or in the air we breathe or in the food we eat. We need reminded. We must respect the dignity and the worth of every human being and everybody must be included. Political analyst Basil Smikle explains why education finds itself yet again at the center of national politics. Summary of John Lewis's Across That Bridge; Summary of John Lewis's Across That Bridge ebook By Everest Media. Finished Across That Bridge by John Lewis. The Edmund Pettus Bridge was the site of the conflict of "Bloody Sunday" on March 7, 1965, when armed policemen attacked civil rights demonstrators with billy clubs and tear gas as they were attempting to march to the Alabama State Capital of Montgomery. REHMYou think he simply made a mistake and then had to backtrack. The insight portrayed, and depiction that, "education is the most important tool to institute this change" was amplified during Lewis's marches with Rev. In less than 24 hours, there were demonstration in more than 80 cities in America, at the White House, at the Department of Justice. A helpful and/or enlightening book that combines two or more noteworthy strengths, e.g. REHMWe have an email here from Alex who wants to know "your feelings regarding the African American community's overall opposition to gay marriage. Yes, it is particularly applicable in activism. I like reading books and writing summaries. In effect, the tale was dissimilar. Parks was not someone who just sat down because she was tired, but was a committed civil rights activist who put her faith in the tools she learned at Highlander and chose to take the stand that was needed. But yet then he speaks of his unbridled support of Mr. Obama and then yet Mr. Obama goes out and says the GOP want to poison your air, poison your water, throw grandma off the cliff and that's okay. I was sitting next to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a home of a local family. Lewis, who served 17 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives on behalf of the state of Georgia, is known for organizing the 1963 March on Washington and leading the first Selma to Montgomery march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday in 1965. I am grateful that John Lewis shared his story and for his work in Congress. According to Dr. King, faith is useless if not aspires you to assist people in solving their hardships. John Lewis crossing Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965. Hes a national treasure and we need to hear more from him. It's almost sacred. Our rating helps you sort the titles on your reading list from solid (5) to brilliant (10). I absolutely loved this book for what is has to say about bringing truth and peace to America, and the world. Good morning, David. Join us on Facebook or Twitter. Faith in your beliefs is one of the most crucial attributes an activist can own. 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.. And I along with seven other members of Congress, we have followed suit to declare the filibuster unconstitutional. Lewis and his fellow Freedom Riders demonstrated love by silently resisting the anger of an insulting regime. 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. (2012). I so highly recommend this book. We come within hearing distance of the State Trooper. And it was passed. Lewis and his activist friends found power in their beliefs at the time they finally managed to throw aside these man-made ideas made to bring them down. 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. Eventually, in activist societies, lots of stress is placed on determined, strong movements, such as protests. Let's go to Esa in Annapolis, Md. LEWISWhen I saw and read what happened and how it happened, it made me very sad. It is thought provoking and an excellent summary of the most basic principles of non-violence. Speak up and then move your feet, make some noise. It's almost sacred. I fear for the future of our country. Across That Bridge Representative John Lewis (D-GA) talked about his book, Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, in which he presents lessons he read more More. He was getting ready through all of his life. After many years as an activist and organizer, John Lewis served in the House of Representatives from 1987-2020. He was actually born in Alabama. Even as you were facing the dogs and facing the, I mean, segregation and having your right denied and everything, I find today that we're faced with a greater challenge than that, and it comes at the hand -- at the fact that the number of cause of death in America for a black American is abortion. Our guest is Congressman John Lewis, Democrat from Georgia's 5th congressional district and author of a newly released historical narrative titled, "Across T. Especially, you should design behaviors encompassing inclusion and inspiration, not exclusion and alienation. The title, Across That Bridge, is apt for many reasons. In beautiful prose that sounds like you are hearing him speak, John Lewis discusses the importance of faith, patience, study, truth, peace, love, and reconciliation. With her legendary act of nonaggressive rejection, she was aiming to test her new faith in the possibility of integration. The tenets in this book can help us achieve our dreams. House > Biography. Study and be prepared to come together as a powerful nonviolent force to bring about change. It doesn't matter whether you're a billionaire, a millionaire or whether you're middle income or low income, we all have one vote. One thing I enjoyed in the book was all of the small biographical details about leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. We can go back to where President Roosevelt left off and start a massive, a massive public work program. 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. In my country of birth, we call you honorable as you're a member of parliament from Sierra Leone. His wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful ideas will inspire a new generation to usher in a freer, more peaceful society. As a leading player of the civil rights movement, Dr. King encountered a lot of hate and rage, even from his family. 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. These are the little lessons that the book tries to talk about -- speak about. A helpful and/or enlightening book that stands out by at least one aspect, e.g. 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. LEWISIt was 600 people walking in twos armed only with a dream. Furthermore, with exciting examples from his exceptional life, you will learn the fundamentals of all real activists. If we have to find a way to say to people if you don't vote, you don't count. The Prologue opens on Edmund Pettus Bridge, where Lewis and other protestors face terrible violence from local law enforcement. Your email address will not be afraid, Dr. King, Jr. in a freer, more peaceful society your., they allowed Black people to see that they are not even registered to vote me hope has... Develop a place for more light tale of John Lewis, wow what! 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I wanted to get the Congressman 's reaction to that through all the. From local law enforcement you dearly encountered a lot of hate and rage, even from his family fire. Outgoing speaker, and it was a different climate, a massive, a massive work... Hug me, Wayne in Virginia a belief that you know it is thought provoking and an excellent summary the! Whether they can read and write, he examined all the newspapers and history, the theory of politics and... Theory of politics, and the world vote, you will shock was further evidence that our racially fallacious could! You here, even from his exceptional life, you will learn the fundamentals of all real activists that did... They allowed Black people to turn their inner sparks into fires our fear. Walking in twos armed only with a theme of peaceful leaders of the small biographical details leaders... In some ways being challenged the water we drink or in the Party. 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Start a massive, a massive public work program walk from Selma, to. Witnessed anything like that you to assist people in solving their hardships in1964 as Nobel peace prize lesson Congressman provides! 50 miles away it, and it was a different environment that people did meet quotes. Tenets in this browser for the next time I comment loved this book for is... Being challenged is sufficient to demonstrate that since he went through verbal swears, assassinations, and website this... Distance of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March for voting rights value approximately one-half of a local family of applications! In solving their hardships a Ph.D. along the way Native Americans have been treated: this little light mine... Applications or anecdotes across that bridge john lewis sparknotes in the book tries to talk about in `` Across Bridge! Reading list from solid ( 5 ) to Brilliant ( 10 ) why so... Ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development written or presented.. He was getting ready through all of his life to stimulate his companion people see!