LEWISWell, thank you so much. . http://glose.com/book/across-that-bridge Before we started sitting in more than 50 years ago, we studied what Gandhi attempted to do in South Africa, what he accomplished in India. 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. By definition, gay rights are civil rights. We didn't give in. LEWISI thought I saw death. The president acted, and the Congress acted, and we got the voting rights in 1965. getAbstract offers a free trial to qualifying organizations that want to empower their workforce with curated expert knowledge. 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. LEWISThank you very much. I had a question. The more I learn about this great American leader, the more I admire him. As the child of sharecroppers,the late Congressman John Lewis helped his parents grow corn, peanuts and cotton. This silent waiting in line had a gigantic effect. They came toward us, beating us, trampling us with horses and they're using the tear gas. LEWISDiane, what I try to suggest that in these times, in these days that we live, something is going wrong in our society. 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. African American studies course. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. ALEXI feel like there is a lot of narcissism and I feel like -- I think we've overcome a lot of racial barriers, but I feel like a lot of arrogance is still carried through from the '60s to now. Find out more about . (May), A longtime congressman and legendary civil rights veteran, John Lewis is at this mornings Book and Author Breakfast to talk about his new graphic autobiography March, the first, In this dazzling memoir, essayist Rosen (The Life of the Skies: Birding at the End of Nature) chronicles his thorny relationship with his childhood friend Michael Laudor, a, This riveting true crime saga from former federal prosecutor Fishman and Mens Journal contributing editor Hooper (Muscle Medicine) begins in 2009 when Fishman, then working in, Carroll (Comandante: Hugo Chavezs Venezuela), the Guardians Ireland correspondent, recreates a real-life Day of the Jackal in this sterling account of a 1984 plot to, Historian Gwynne (Empire of the Summer Moon) delivers a fascinating account of the bad decisions, distractions, naivete, and sheer incompetence behind the crash of the massive, Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions, Fire on the Levee: The Murder of Henry Glover and the Search for Justice After Hurricane Katrina, There Will Be Fire: Margaret Thatcher, the IRA, and Two Minutes That Changed History, His Majestys Airship: The Life and Tragic Death of the Worlds Largest Flying Machine. 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.. LEWISMy brother, I appreciate your concern. I just re-read this book for a class I'm teaching this semester on the history, philosophy, and practice of nonviolence. REHMAnd surely that's got to be one of the life lessons that you talk about in "Across the Bridge.". I appreciate your comments. LEWISWell, I see all across America these brilliant, smart, gifted young people, many a young African Americans. In Across That Bridge, Lewis draws from his experience as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement to offer timeless guidance to anyone seeking to live virtuously and transform the world. To vote is the most precious instrument we have in a democratic society. His new book is titled "Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change." With an engaged electorate once again confronting questions of social inequality, there's no better time to revisit Hachette Books, 2012. And he probably misspoke. With an OverDrive account, you can save your favorite libraries for at-a-glance information about availability. Clearly I am gushing with joy, excitement and love! 1 Review . And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. REHMWell, it's certainly created a great deal of discussion so we'll see where that goes. Maybe just maybe the larger society should take a lesson from the civil rights movement. 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.". The late John Lewis offers his thoughts on social activism in this short book. This is the typical life path that continues to rule contemporary culture. Bold Youll find arguments that may break with predominant views. 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. WAYNEAnd also when speaking of the congressional black caucus in reference to Treyvon Martin, they said nothing during the whole episode or when it first hit the papers of let's let the legal system work, let's see where the evidence comes down. 9 Superb. Never let anyoneany person or any forcedampen, dim or diminish your light. "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. John Robert Lewis was the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district, serving since 1987 and was the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation. I listened to the audiobook, and if I were reading this as a book, I would not have put it down. Yesterday, President Obama and the First Family joined thousands of Americans at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, to honor the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who bled there, on that very pavement exactly 50 years ago.Many of those original "foot soldiers" joined him yesterday, including Congressman John Lewis, who helped to organize the . Furthermore, she currently started to study Activist Theory on Racial Integration. This book provides tremendous insight on how to have a more fulfilling life. REHMAnd just to follow up on that, Doug in New York wants to know how you would detail a plan to significantly shrink the gap between the wealthy and the middle and the lower classes of our country. Being from Georgia, have you had any interaction or did you during the '60s, '70s with a place in southwest Georgia that's kind of underreported in the civil rights movement known as Koinonia Farms? Parks drew motivation from her long-timeposition as local secretary for the NAACP the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work/Biography. LEWISOh, yes. Im a direct recipient of your struggle, your courage, your love. Thursday, Feb 02 2023The beating death of Tyre Nichols has renewed calls for reforming the police. LEWISI would like to think, I really would like to think maybe, just maybe that race did not play a role. Finished Across That Bridge by John Lewis. 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? The triumph of truth. I am grateful that John Lewis shared his story and for his work in Congress. For instance he spent many pages on the idea that change takes time, reformers will need to be patient. This expression of regret would not have happened if Lewis has sued or defended himself with violence on that day. I thought I was going to die. Its dangerous to the future of the republic for us to let this happen. However, he never used violence and not even raised a hand to the assailants to defend himself. Furthermore, with exciting examples from his exceptional life, you will learn the fundamentals of all real activists. It's just dumb. The subtitle says it all: This book was one of the most profound, intelligent, thought provoking works I have ever read. REHMAnd I'm so happy to have you here. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Lewis, John, 1940 February 21-United States. LEWISSometimes I feel like we can do better, that we can do much better, but we must open up the political process and let all of the people come in. IN COLLECTIONS . Networks for Change: Values Before Vision? In less than 24 hours, there were demonstration in more than 80 cities in America, at the White House, at the Department of Justice. They are again concerned with their responsibilities for the democratic process. Thank you. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people wont feel insecure around you. John Bazemore / AP 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. We can do much better. Hachette Books. Many of the principles seemed self-evident and therefore not particularly interesting. Currently, activists of the Arab Spring, Black Lives Matter, and the Occupy Movement are battling the same wars that were battled in the civil rights movement. Rooted in the teachings of Ghandi, Kennedy, King, Mandela and other champions of non-violent activism, this book reads like a beautiful melody. Additionally, Congressman Lewis' book is very spiritual and courageous. LEWISAnd as a country, as a society we can do better. LEWISThe American people didn't like it. I would take that a step further and say that every voting individual should read this book. So much wisdom, but a couple of my favorite quotes: In this jewel of a book, Rep. Lewis presents several categories which he suggests should be mastered in order to bring about meaningful change - to light the fire of a movement. A helpful and/or enlightening book that, in addition to meeting the highest standards in all pertinent aspects, stands out even among the best. I had a colleague from my state of Georgia just a few weeks ago had an amendment on the floor to prohibit the Department of Justice for using any money to enforce one section of the Voting Rights Act. I've long held this position and I attend a lot of churches in my district in Georgia. You will only be richer spiritually for having read it. The truth is more complex, and springs from Parkss faith. 6 Notable. Accessed day month year. For instance, he got award money because of being the youngest Nobel Prize winner. The job was not complete. Furthermore, at the time we approve this truth, it will be challenging to turn back to the old thinking and live comfortably with it. No government, state or federal, should tell people who they can fall in love with and get married or not. And that juxtaposition seemed to be very powerful and I wanted to get the congressman's reaction to that. The late Congressman John Lewis was a civil rights leader,best-selling author, and the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Lifetime Achievement Award. This is a fantastic book for anyone, no matter what age, interested in helping improve the lives of others and changing the world in which we live in today. 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. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Lewis, John. You are a child of God. The recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressman Lewis has represented Georgia's Fifth Congressional District since 1986. Thank you for the very kind words. In Across That Bridge, Congressman Lewis draws from his experience as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement to offer timeless guidance to anyone seeking to live virtuously and transform the world. REHMYou think he simply made a mistake and then had to backtrack. With vivid details and a front-row perspective, Lewis, who died July 18, 2020, provides more than a memoir about the early civil rights movement and its leaders. 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. The way to reach the truth is not only studying academically. It passed through the resistance of the South and caused directly the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the most influential law passed by Congress in 50 years.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'goodbooksummary_com-leader-3','ezslot_10',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-goodbooksummary_com-leader-3-0'); The civil rights movement was a challenge for the legal rights of African Americans. 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. What are some things that you are planning to do? (2012). With love, they allowed Black people to see that they are not lower in status. Does the risk for a prize that you might not see with your eyes pay off? After three days, your trial will expire automatically. And they waited silently as a line at the Registrars Office of Selma for two years. Speak up when you see something that is not fair or just. We don't know how to say I'm sorry, excuse me, pardon me. And to see these young people -- I shouldn't get into name -- I shouldn't start calling colleges and universities, but they understand. After reading this, Civil Rights leader and Congressman John Lewis is one of my new heroes. So we are being devastated to the point where voting will not make any difference, rights will not make any difference if we don't have life. We all are legal. Thus, when the citizens of Alabama came to him and asked him to be the leader of their action, he was prepared. 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. LEWISWe've had job's proposal introduced. Faith in your beliefs is one of the most crucial attributes an activist can own. And not one minister ever said anything to me about my position. Continue with Recommended Cookies. LEWISWell, you're right. King could use this money to establish a safe and sound living outside the hazardous South. These are the little lessons that the book tries to talk about -- speak about. But because of what happened there, we didn't give up. However, Lewis' involvement in the fight for social justice did not end after the 50s and 60s. We must be the change we seek if we are to effectively demand transformation from others. Your highlights will appear here. It takes time but it can be done. Join us on Facebook or Twitter. They're able, reliable, well-learned men and women of color. It's the most -- it is the thing that controls everything that we do from the time that we're born until the time that we die in democratic society. The entire time I was reading this book, I couldn't help but wish everyone's faith was this beautiful. REHMWhat was your reaction to the Trayvon Martin case? African American civil rights workers > Biography. I deliberately took my time reading this important memoir. Does it tell something about human advancement? A beautiful book. Reprinted here by permission of Knopf. Congressman John Lewis from Georgia is with me this morning. Insiders take Youll have the privilege of learning from someone who knows her or his topic inside-out. LEWISHe had to backtrack. But what are some of the things that you are planning to do or that you have been doing or that you would like to see done beginning at home in Georgia and then to introduce in Congress for the rest of the nation? 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. Why One Doctor Says We Should Focus On Living Well, Not Long, A.P. Scientific Youll get facts and figures grounded in scientific research. What we need to do is to embrace it and not be afraid. The Prologue opens on Edmund Pettus Bridge, where Lewis and other protestors face terrible violence from local law enforcement. LEWISWell, President Carter has always acted according to his faith. ESAGood morning, Diane. 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