We have within us the ability to affect change for the better and to live in truth. When we were getting arrested and waiting in jail or standing in unmovable lines on the courthouse steps, we didnt know what would happen, but we knew it had to happen. Congressman Lewis' book is comprised of three essays on faith, patience, and peace. Over the decades, his answerremained the same: Faith.. Each chapter/essay dealt with a theme of peaceful resistance via a particular concept: love, peace, unity, etc. Eye opening Youll be offered highly surprising insights. Across That Bridge Quotes Showing 1-30 of 79 "You are a light. I found myself agreeing on much of what Rep. Lewis wrote, and I so want many others to read his vision for how to make our future better. Around 9:30 p.m., ABC newscaster Frank Reynolds interrupted the networks broadcast of Judgment at Nurembergthe star-studded movie that explored Nazi bigotry, war crimes and the moral culpability of those who followed orders and didnt speak out against the Holocaustto air the disturbing, newly arrived footage from Selma. I would take that a step further and say that every voting individual should read this book. Speaking from his own experiences in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Lewis provides guidance for the activists of today and tomorrow. ---John Lewis in . AFRICAN PROVERB, It is so strange to me that we have learned to fly in the air like birds, learned to swim in the ocean like fish, shoot a rocket to the moon, but we have not yet learned how to live together in harmony with one another., I have seen this restlessness among the people before. Book 1 opens with a young John Lewis standing on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The most brutal century was the twentieth century in modern history. Lewis devoted his life to stimulate his companion people to turn their inner sparks into fires. Outrage at Bloody Sunday swept the country. This exemplifies the potential of activism even in current days. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself., Martin Luther King Jr. said that peace is not the absence of tension, but the presence of justice. Get help and learn more about the design. It is thought provoking and an excellent summary of the most basic principles of non-violence. 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. Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooksif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'goodbooksummary_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-goodbooksummary_com-medrectangle-3-0'); John Lewis guided a crowd of pacifist protestors to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on March, 7th, 1965. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people wont feel insecure around you. 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. 11:07:45 MS. DIANE REHM Congressman Lewis joins me in the studio. SNCC leader John Lewis (light coat, center), attempts to ward off the blow as a burly state trooper swings his club at Lewis' head during the attempted march from Selma to Montgomery on March 7, 1965. State troopers watch as marchers cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge over the Alabama River in Selma, Alabama as part of a civil rights march on March 9, 1965. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. As Henry Thoreau strongly believed, to comply with an unjust system is to accept abuse. Insiders take Youll have the privilege of learning from someone who knows her or his topic inside-out. Look at Lewis fellow and counterpart Rosa Parks. You have to disperse, you are ordered to disperse. You are the light. 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. The sections are titled: faith, patience, study, act, peace, love and reconciliation. How can we come to the point where we malign and hate one another?, Governments and corporations do not live. You also have this chance. 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. We strive for accuracy and fairness. Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images. They were hit, disparaged with words, and imprisoned. You should ask this question to yourself and answer it according to yourself. But when law became suppressive and tyrannical, when human law violated divine principles, we felt it was not only our right, but our duty to disobey. Dr. Martin Luther King, as well as Lewis ministry. It was a strong commitment to demonstrating the truth: equality of humans is an unnegotiable right. The Civil Rights Movement gave rise . I learned so much about the Civil Rights movement, and what's more, the lessons he provides are timely today for the desire for change we see percolating in our society. However, we still choose violence while resolving disputes. Becoming aware of the truth requires action, and that is when the struggle begins., Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America, Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change. Lewis later testified in court that he was knocked to the ground and a state trooper then hit him in the head with a nightstick. Hachette Book Group USA, 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.". However, these gloomy times are only initial points for better things. This effort, in conclusion, brought the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Concrete Examples Youll get practical advice illustrated with examples of real-world applications or anecdotes. Did you have a belief that you know it is true within all of your veins? The aspects include faith, patience, study, truth, love, and reconciliation. Clouds of tear gas mixed with the screams of terrified marchers and the cheers of reveling bystanders. All of these aspects were put into action in the Civil Rights movement in which Mr. Lewis played such an important role. HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. I recommend this book to anyone who cares about truth, goodness and working for justice. Visionary Youll get a glimpse of the future and what it might mean for you. Thus, nothing could undermine your belief that your convictions are correct. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Marianne Williamson, Truth: The truth is incontrovertible. A measure they implemented was something named the Grandfather Clause. A helpful and/or enlightening book that, in addition to meeting the highest standards in all pertinent aspects, stands out even among the best. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. 2023 Copyright Good Book Summaries [Daily Updated], link to Mindsight by Daniel Siegel [Book Summary - Review], link to Employee to Entrepreneur by Steve Glaveski [Book Summary - Review]. He appeared for Atlanta as a US Congressman for more than 30 years before his death in July 2020. Summary (from Goodreads): "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. eNotes.com, Inc. 2004 eNotes.com 29 Mar. Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates. Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work/Biography. Furthermore, he realized that apartheid was something fundamentally wrong because of wrong logic. With an engaged electorate once again confronting questions of social inequality, there's no better time to revisit The demonstrators marched undisturbed through downtown Selma, where the ghosts of the past constantly permeated the present. Eventually, in activist societies, lots of stress is placed on determined, strong movements, such as protests. A self-help book for activists, specifically focusing on the values necessary to make change. This is primer on activism using Lewis life and the civil rights movement as examples. "Freedom is not a state; it is an act. Background Youll get contextual knowledge as a frame for informed action or analysis. The juxtaposition struck like psychological lightning in American homes, wrote Gene Roberts and Hank Klibanoff in The Race Beat. I see some truth in his ideas, but his core beliefs are so liberal that it causes me to be a little skeptical about his practical advice. I am grateful that John Lewis shared his story and for his work in Congress. 9 Superb. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Copyright Interaction Institute for Social Change. I have always admired John Lewis. The trouble with reviewing an audio book, especially one that I took 6 months to list/read, is it is hard to remember things. 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. Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change John Lewis. They knocked the marchers to the ground. Furthermore, at the time we approve this truth, it will be challenging to turn back to the old thinking and live comfortably with it. He was getting ready through all of his life. The late John Lewis offers his thoughts on social activism in this short book. This is the finding of ecologists and other scientists looking at how peripheral spaces can provide adaptive strength. Though our hearts are broken, LOVE and compassion will help us heal and move forward. there's no better time to revisit the lessons of the '60s and no better leader to learn from than Congressman John Lewis. The soldiers and the annoyed group were not intended to allow protestors to pass through, with their firearms, tear gas, and batons. When his store was finally empty of customers, one local shopkeeper confided to Washington Star reporter Haynes Johnson about the citys institutional racism, Everybody knows its going on, but they try to pretend they dont see it. The truth is more complex, and springs from Parkss faith. by John Lewis. Whatever we select for our library has to excel in one or the other of these two core criteria: Enlightening Youll learn things that will inform and improve your decisions. similar to the Dalai Lama, here is a man I would be interested in just being in his presence as he goes about daily activities and meetings, just to witness interactions with others. Since the people invested government with its authority, we understood that we had to obey the law. Once Lewis and Williams reached the crest of the bridge, they saw trouble on the other side. contains uncommonly novel ideas and presents them in an engaging manner. *getAbstract is summarizing much more than books. Around 100 million of them were dead because of political pressure. And coming as it does from a civil rights hero like John Lewis, this is important information for our own time. Brief Summary of Book: Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America by John Lewis. In January 1965, Martin Luther King, Jr., came to the city and gave the backing of the Southern Christian Leadership Council (SCLC) to the cause. They are again concerned with their responsibilities for the democratic process. This section depicts the events of "Bloody Sunday," one of the most famous civil rights march of the movement. Enjoy 3 days of full online access to 25,000+ summaries Hate can never overcome hate, only love can do that.. Still, he is pointed as an excellent orator. The triumph of truth. Stay up-to-date with emerging trends in less time. Innovative You can expect some truly fresh ideas and insights on brand-new products or trends. The truth is a powerful force. She was a tailor in Montgomery, Alabama, and also an activist, and worked as the secretary in her local chapter of the NAACP. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. Courageous, hopeful and inspiring civil rights leader John Lewis is one of my heroes. The kids cried with fear when he mentioned the insults he and his family suffered. I can't imagine that you wouldn't get a sense of that presence and quiet charisma, just being around them. Go home or go to your church. After reading this, Civil Rights leader and Congressman John Lewis is one of my new heroes. He thought that we came to life to perform our abilities completely so that our possibility to glow could be seen by everyone. Look to the growing edge! Howard Thurman Edge has its advantages. Especially, you should design behaviors encompassing inclusion and inspiration, not exclusion and alienation. This summer, at St. Paul's ASP, I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to learn more about him and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Often an instant classic and must-read for everyone. From that organization, Parks learned about events and protests that activists designed to spotlight segregation on the public transit system. For many people, that review would be helpful, but since I teach US history, a lot of that information was not new to me. This was a prior Klansman, Elwin Wilson, who was his assailant on that day. So radical was Highlander's thought, it was placed under FBI surveillance. A very uplifting book. He saw obviously that the disparity that governed his world was not correct. 03:02 - Source: CNN AP. After a few moments, the troopers, with gas masks affixed to their faces and clubs at the ready, advanced. Lewis and his fellow Freedom Riders demonstrated love by silently resisting the anger of an insulting regime. Lewis is no pie-in-the-sky hippie. But that doesnt mean you stop doing the right thing. getAbstract offers a free trial to qualifying organizations that want to empower their workforce with curated expert knowledge. And this history lends us one very powerful reminder today: Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society., The power of faith is transformative. (Thanks Laura!) Take a long, hard look down the road you will have to travel once you have made a commitment to work for change. He called to say sorry. Across that Bridge is beautiful and inspiring book. This time, however, television cameras captured the entire assault and transformed the local protest into a national civil rights event. It is no longer believed. Your email address will not be published. The book outlines a process for peaceful protest. They pushed back Lewis and Williams. In a seemingly more partitioned world than ever, this is a message we must take into account. I just re-read this book for a class I'm teaching this semester on the history, philosophy, and practice of nonviolence. While I often have a hard time living up to his ideals, I am inspired by his deeply held belief in the unity and equality of all people. . Christopher Klein is the author of four books, including When the Irish Invaded Canada: The Incredible True Story of the Civil War Veterans Who Fought for Irelands Freedom and Strong Boy: The Life and Times of John L. Sullivan. It is a success in itself that you study sufficiently so that you own your truth completely. It is possible for life to be a disturbing event. Scientific Youll get facts and figures grounded in scientific research. Hyperion, $22.99 (192p) ISBN 978-1-4013-2411-7 Lewis thought that all of us have a spark inside us of the divine as our light. It rarely happens all at once. Ironically, rush and more usually mean less.MOTHER TERESA, When we set our minds against one another, when we focus on destructive energy and propagate the negative notions of separation, division, discrimination, rejection, domination, and war, we waste our power in a futile attempt to debase, degrade, and even destroy the light in others., To reconcile ourselves with one another, we must release our judgments and make peace with the fact that we are one. 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. 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. The book also covers the 1963 bombing of an African American church in Birmingham, Alabama, in which three young girls. Not many know of Highlander, or of their contribution to the Civil Rights Movement. Finally, after a federal court order permitted the protest, the voting rights marchers left Selma on March 21 under the protection of federalized National Guard troops. The part of the book I liked best was Lewis's thorough explanation of the philosophy of the non-violent movement. Error rating book. Hot Topic Youll find yourself in the middle of a highly debated issue. . His wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful ideas will inspire a new generation to usher in a freer, more peaceful society. With vivid details and a front-row perspective, Lewis, who died July 18, 2020, providesmore than a memoir about the early civil rights movement and its leaders. He thought rancor existed at unprecedented levels that were even not observed in the 1960s. We rate each piece of content on a scale of 110 with regard to these two core criteria. But we did not believe this social contract included support for an immoral system. (My students this term have loved it, and it has opened up some very rich conversations.). 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 . Lots of white people from the South could fight for continuing discrimination. We will feel less. However, no matter what, they turned back and waited consistently every single day. 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. The world doesnt know this happened because you didnt photograph it, King told Schulke, according to the Pulitzer Prize-winning book,The Race Beat. You can reach it just by being attentive to the environment that surrounds you. In 1961, South buses were separated according to race although there is a Supreme Court decision that disallows this. By a coin flip, it was determined that Hosea Williams would represent the SCLC at the head of the march along with Lewis, an SNCC chairman and future U.S. congressman from Georgia. People believe she was a legend because she rejected handing over her place on the bus to a white person. gas, and drag the African American protesters off the bridge. 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 When Did African Americans Get the Right to Vote? At the time people started to quit their permissions, the conditions started to change. I like reading books and writing summaries. Well structured Youll find this to be particularly well organized to support its reception or application. King describes, Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, These Are the Plunderers: How Private Equity Runsand WrecksAmerica, Revolutionary Spring: Europe Aflame and the Fight for a New World, The Ghost Forest: Racists, Radicals, and Real Estate in the California Redwoods. It chronicles Lewis activities in the civil rights movement but as much is a poetic proponent for non-violent change activity. I deliberately took my time reading this important memoir. I do recommend this book, but it was a little disappointing for me. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. Anyone in these movements has embarked on the responsibility to eliminate the vigors of discrimination and demolition by utilizing their inherent light. 6 Notable. It is the foundation of all things. I saw Judgment at Nuremberg on the Late Show the other night and I thought it fits right in; its just like Selma.. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. Nearly 50 million Americans who had tuned into the films long-awaited television premiere couldnt escape the historical echoes of Nazi storm troopers in the scenes of the rampaging state troopers. The insight portrayed, and depiction that, "education is the most important tool to institute this change" was amplified during Lewis's marches with Rev. Know that this transformation will not happen right away. However, today some of the leaders do not know the living conditions of the majority of Americans. This book provides tremendous insight on how to have a more fulfilling life. 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