On Sunday, Feb. 22, 2014, at St. Luke Community U.M.C., the congregation witnessed living history. We were blessed with profound words from Congressman John Lewis, the man who talked, walked and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interestingly, as we walked up to the church doors, my 6-year-old daughter asked me why everyone was so excited and what was going on at the church. I replied, “Congressman John Lewis is speaking today.”
“Who is that?” she asked.
I went on to explain that he played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement and that he was partly responsible for many of her rights and freedoms. Confused but still curious, she said, “I thought that was Martin Luther King?”
From that point on my excitement turned to an appreciation and awe of the fact that this person is one of the closest living persons to have been directly involved in changing the scope of history for this country. I also want to make certain that my children know about all those individuals who made sacrifices for us, not just Dr. King, and Rosa Parks but the “Freedom Riders” and so many whose names we’ll never know. I’m starting that effort with the first volume of March a graphic novel trilogy co-authored by Congressman John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, with art by Nate Powell. March is a vivid, firsthand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, (including his key roles in the historic 1963 March on Washington and the 1965 Selma-Montgomery March), meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. In March, a true American icon teams up with one of America’s most acclaimed graphic novelists. Together, they bring to life one of our nation’s most historic moments, a period both shameful and inspiring, and a movement whose echoes will be heard for generations.
It was a delight to listen to Congressman Lewis. He was soft-spoken, but deliberate. His disposition remained gentle even when recounting some of the horrible things that he and his comrades encountered during the struggle. He was candid, yet convicted and truly remains an advocate of nonviolence. He told the story of how he met Dr. King as a young college student and how that relationship sparked and fire in him to fight for human and civil rights that still burns today. He spoke about the overwhelming emotion that brought him to tears during the election and inauguration of President Obama. Tears of joy and sorrow for the fallen soldiers of the movement who never got to see the victory of their sacrifices.
After Congressman Lewis signed more than 200 books following his speech, I was honored to sit down with the living legend for an exclusive interview on behalf of rolling out.
What inspired you to write a trilogy? We started off with one book, when we came to the realization that there was far to much to tell. In order to share the complete story and keep people engaged, we were going to have to write a second and third volume.
As you reflect on the progress since 1963, what would you say is America’s next big challenge? America’s next real battle ahead is to continue to move toward what Jim Lawson taught us as young freedom fighters, the “beloved community.” We cannot be one race, one community, as long as a group is left out, like so many immigrant. It’s a shame that immigrants live in constant fear in Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Florida. These are families, often children. I just recently participated in a protest at the Capitol trying to get majority members to bring the immigration bill to the floor and I was arrested for my efforts. The next day a young girl who is an intern in one of the Latino member’s office came to my office and thanked me. As tears begin to flow, she explained to me that she would be considered “illegal.” There is a definite battle, but I am prepared to continue the fight.
What advice would you give to young people who are considering a career in public service? Get involved in the debate and in the discussion, read, study. Become knowledgeable and understand the needs of the people. Become passionate and be willing to fight for it. Believe!
What is your top priority for this congressional session?…We need to put people back to work, create jobs. Finish the war on hunger and poverty that Lyndon Johnson started 50 years ago.
On this last day of Black History Month, let’s all remember and honor those who fought for us. And also remember that knowledge is power and understanding. So let’s seek knowledge, not just in the 28 days but 365. I leave you with this quote from Congressman Lewis, “the Civil Rights Movement was based on faith, so simply put, keep the faith and do something.”
–celia walker, follow me on twitter @cewalk28
Check out photos in the gallery below.
