I am writing this on July 30th, the day of John Lewis’ funeral. He wrote this letter to his fellow Americans only days before he died, and requested it be read at his funeral.
Here is the link to his final testimony, printed in full in the New York Times 7/30/2020.
I have no words. Just tears.
I find John Lewis’s words to be truly inspirational. He empowers us to cross the line, love our neighbors unconditionally and yes…even to get into some “good trouble”!
This letter was from a great man of our time a role model of a true leader, unfortunately His words fell on deaf ears and our ears are deafened by what we are hearing on a daily basis coming from the leaders of our country and this makes me cry!
It’s a long heartbreaking road, Lenette. Perhaps the historic Trail of Tears will become our present journey.
After readings and watching the following, I was both sadden, horrified, and angry at my lack of knowledge or basic awareness of human rights that have been denied to African Americans. I can how see the cancer that is systemic racism.
“White Fragility” by Robin Diangelo
“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander
“Waking Up White” by Debby Irving
“Reconstruction” by Dr Louis Gates
Attending the online, “The Thrive Symposium”
Out of the crucible, comes a hero called John Lewis. This is a person who stood up for his convictions, showed love and forgiveness to those that persecuted him, and loved us and our country in return. Real faith is action. Let the church rise!
Great references, Sheila. I have read Dr. Louis Gates’s book (love him!) and look forward to reading “White Fragility.” Thanks for contributing.