What was your reaction to that? The tenets in this book can help us achieve our dreams. His new book is titled "Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change." Study. To register, they needed to be tested whether they can read and write. REHMNow, hasn't that been before this Congress? House > Biography. And they waited silently as a line at the Registrars Office of Selma for two years. Thank you so much. In this engaging memoir, he details his journey through rural Alabama, the 1960s-era voting rights protests and the halls of Congress. (Thanks Laura!) Although it has been decades since the historic social upheavals of the 1960s, Americans continue to look to the Civil Rights Movement as the apotheosis of political expression. 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. And then you get out and act. It is a success in itself that you study sufficiently so that you own your truth completely. What happened? We're committed to helping #nextgenleaders. Thank you, Diane, and an honor to be with you this morning. Word Count: 440. 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 . If we have to find a way to say to people if you don't vote, you don't count. They're able, reliable, well-learned men and women of color. The author, John Lewis, is from a family consisting of sharecroppers in the South in the Jim Crow age and stood up to assist form the movement of civil rights with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After that, he was a leader. On that day I thought I saw death. I'm Diane Rehm. The movement formed an example of tackling todays hardships. Finally, Lewis is too liberal for my political views. He built the book around several practices that are essential for social justice work: faith, patience, study, truth, peace, love and reconciliation. Conduct of life. King could use this money to establish a safe and sound living outside the hazardous South. Not many know of Highlander, or of their contribution to the Civil Rights Movement. Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America John Lewis 4.32 5,694 ratings484 reviews Although it has been decades since the historic social upheavals of the 1960s, Americans continue to look to the Civil Rights Movement as the apotheosis of political expression. Now 65, he and Diane revisit his provocative essay. The soldiers and the annoyed group were not intended to allow protestors to pass through, with their firearms, tear gas, and batons. *getAbstract is summarizing much more than books. Reading this book helped me to feel some hope. With her legendary act of nonaggressive rejection, she was aiming to test her new faith in the possibility of integration. Still, he is pointed as an excellent orator. What we need to do is to embrace it and not be afraid. Furthermore, he realized that apartheid was something fundamentally wrong because of wrong logic. I absolutely loved this book for what is has to say about bringing truth and peace to America, and the world. Till the 1960s, to prevent African Americans from using their rights, the government of the Alabama State and the Ku Klux Klan tried every way they could. His new book is titled "Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change." And the story of Koinonia Farm is an untold story. And I've thought more people would be united like, you know, young adults. You have to be grounded. Lewis talks in detail about how he was able, mentally and emotionally, to put himself into situations over and over where he faced hatred, incarceration, and violence. Furthermore, at the time we approve this truth, it will be challenging to turn back to the old thinking and live comfortably with it. The Civil Rights Movement gave rise to the protest culture we know today, and the . Engaging Youll read or watch this all the way through the end. Whatever they do, they should do it in a peaceful, nonviolent, orderly fashion and recreate a truly multiracial democratic society. A contrast is called to mind between the aimless rioting and looting seen in present day, and the studied, planned, non-violent approaches of the earlier era, that led to an end of segregation and other injustices in the American South. Lewis paid his price by having his skull broken by the police, a run over him by horses, threatened by dogs, repelled with fire hoses, worn manacles, and put to prison. [] Over the decades, his answerremained the same: Faith.. However, some people can inspire all of us. That's not good. United States. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We have lots of callers here. 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. LEWISI think in America there's still a racial divide. When this president was reelected -- well, first elected, I should say, he inspired people not only in America, but all over the world, and we should embrace it. Your playing small doesnt serve the world. We would destroy you the same way they tried to destroy President Clinton, and they didn't stop until they had a victory, until they took over the majority in the House and they want to win the White House back at any cost. LEWISOh, I think we are in the midst of it all. 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. John Lewis and activists organized a walk to the state capitol to protest the voter discrimination. It's not as prevalent as before, but I feel like it's still underlining my generation particularly. You're welcome to be part of the conversation. The president acted, and the Congress acted, and we got the voting rights in 1965. 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. 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. LEWISIf I could, the filibuster would be goodbye. It must be equality for all and not just for some. Purchase options Better World Books. Good morning, Congressman Lewis. The president acted. 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.". Our rating helps you sort the titles on your reading list from solid (5) to brilliant (10). The movements challenge was to improve the faulty opinion that some humans are more valuable since they have more light than others. 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. LEWISWell, I happen to believe in the Democratic Party. And coming as it does from a civil rights hero like John Lewis, this is important information for our own time. The subtitle says it all: This book was one of the most profound, intelligent, thought provoking works I have ever read. The right to vote is so important. We're better people than that. People need to be brave and courageous and speak up when you see something that is not right. LEWISWell, I think, first of all, the president, the congressional black caucus and many other members of the Congress, especially (unintelligible), have always been supportive of trade relations with Africa, countries in Africa and other parts of the world. Reading this on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington was fitting. You cannot build a wall when it comes to equality. 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. And it was like what I would call the essence of the beloved community. This book review will illuminate the vision of freedom of John Lewis, first-hand. Bold Youll find arguments that may break with predominant views. Hachette Books. Thanks for listening all. We didn't know what was gonna happen. Nobody could hurt him. I listened to the audiobook, and if I were reading this as a book, I would not have put it down. Find a way to make a way out of no way. I had a question. And a young man from Dr. King's organization walking beside me, name Jose Williams, said, Major, give us a moment to kneel and pray. You can reach it just by being attentive to the environment that surrounds you. You are the light. A short book with the wisdom of a prophet and the compassion of one who has sacrificed all for the cause of peace and justice. So this country is a country of immigrants. They all support me. Visionary Youll get a glimpse of the future and what it might mean for you. REHMThat's an interesting point to make. Are you sure you want to remove the highlight? So if two men or two women fall in love and want to get married, they should be able to do just that. REHMAll right. His wife, his family are there. I so highly recommend this book. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? LEWISHe had to backtrack. Parks drew motivation from her long-timeposition as local secretary for the NAACP the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. And we all cried a little to hear the president of the United States say, and we shall overcome. I think he led the House in a different direction, led us to a different place. We will hear less. The Congress acted. I thought it was the last non-violent protest for me. My favorite part was relating the connection between Mrs. Rosa Parks and Myles Horton's Highlander School, and Highlander's prominent role in instructing demonstrators in nonviolent civil action. In 1961, South buses were separated according to race although there is a Supreme Court decision that disallows this. Find out more about . He does go back to his home in Georgia probably every weekend. Yes, it is particularly applicable in activism. The death of civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis has sparked national debate over the Edmund Pettus Bridge -- a site of history, but one that's named for a Confederate general and Ku Klux Klan leader. African American legislators > Biography. Especially, you should design behaviors encompassing inclusion and inspiration, not exclusion and alienation. It chronicles Lewis activities in the civil rights movement but as much is a poetic proponent for non-violent change activity. We have within us the ability to affect change for the better and to live in truth. The overall goal of CPN is to further develop a Our first son was born on Saturday, he came two months early and he is AMAZING. 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. The way to reach the truth is not only studying academically. Thank you. 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