John Lewis was an integral figure in The Civil Rights Movement. His participation in key events like the Selma March to Montgomery as a young man in which he was severely injured was only the beginning of this lifetime of activism. While I was aware of his involvement in Selma, and his service as a Congressman, I was unaware of his humble beginnings in rural Troy, Alabama. I find it admirable that he had the desire to go to school, so much so that he would sneak to school, sometimes abandoning farm work such as picking cotton. Despite his injuries in Selma, John Lewis continued his work in civil rights, becoming fearless. He was an original Freedom Rider, and spoke at the March on Washington in which he mentioned my hometown, Danville; He was arrested 40 times during the 1960s. I found it emotional, when scholar Henry Louis Gates recalls the moment he told Congressman Lewis, that his great-great grandfather registered to vote as soon as it was legal and the next person in their bloodline to do the same was John Lewis. Becoming a congressman, he continued his pursuit of justice, even being arrested five times while holding office.
John Lewis states, “But we must accept one central truth and responsibility as participants in a democracy: Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is not some enchanted garden perched high on a distant plateau where we can finally sit down and rest. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.” I identify most with the portion of the quote that states that “freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.” These words remind us that the work of justice is never done. Too many times, when Black people accomplish feats they were excluded from or occupy spaces that have been dominated by whiteness it is used as evidence of a post-racial society. For example when former President Barrack Obama was elected, many stated that America was now a post racial society. Disregarding the many microagressions as well as the blatant acts of racism he and his family endured during the election process and even afterward. However, the next U.S President, Donald Trump and his supporters’ overt acts of racism showed just how much of an illusion a post-racial America was. Because we don’t live in a utopian society, there will always be injustices, therefore it is important we abide by the words of John Lewis to strive for continuous change for all marginalized groups.
The use of literacy test during Jim Crow were a common method of voter suppression. Literacy test were extremely difficult to pass for African-Americans, often crafted in a way that allowed the proctor to use his discretion when deciding if an answer was correct. Similarly, voting ID laws today disproportionally affect African-Americans making it more difficult to vote. Issues of race continue to affect our current election process. In the 2020 election, several polling locations with a high population of Black voters experienced several tactics of voter suppression such as a lack voting machines leading to extended wait times, changing poll locations, and even being purged from the voter registry. All citizens should be ensured the right to vote. One of the fundamental principles which led to the very founding of America, “No taxation without representation” is the idea that as taxpayers we are entitled to representation.
When the right to vote of American taxpayers is threatened they are unable to make their choice for representation they are denied the very rights those of the American Revolution stood up for. While we have made great strides as African-Americans there is still work to be done in many areas. John Lewis worked to fight injustice on every front, from the front lines to drafting legislation. His genuineness, light, and commitment to good trouble was admired by many. May we all follow his example of speaking up and involve ourselves in necessary trouble.