John E. Lewis Quotes
- Historian
John E. Lewis is an American author and historian who has written extensively on the history of the American West. He is best known for his book The American West: A New Interpretive History, which won the Francis Parkman Prize in 2000. He has also written several other books on the American West, i…Read More
John E. Lewis is an American author and historian who has written extensively on the history of the American West. He is best known for his book The American West: A New Interpretive History, which won the Francis Parkman Prize in 2000. He has also written several other books on the American West, including The American West Transformed: The Impact of the Second World War, The American West in the Twentieth Century, and The American West: An Illustrated History. Lewis has also written extensively on the history of Native Americans, including The Indian Frontier of the American West, 1846-1890 and The Indian Wars: The Struggle for the American West.Read Less
John E. Lewis is an American author and historian who has written extensively on the history of the American West. He is best known for his book The American West: A New Interpretive History, which won the Francis Parkman Prize in 2000. He has also written several other books on the American West, including The American West Transformed: The Impact of the Second World War, The American West in the Twentieth Century, and The American West: An Illustrated History. Lewis has also written extensively on the history of Native Americans, including The Indian Frontier of the American West, 1846-1890 and The Indian Wars: The Struggle for the American West.
John E. Lewis Career Highlights
- John E. Lewis was born on February 21, 1940, in Troy, Alabama. He grew up in a segregated society and experienced firsthand the injustices and discrimination faced by African Americans.
- In 1961, Lewis became one of the original 13 Freedom Riders, a group of civil rights activists who challenged segregation on interstate buses and trains.
- He was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and played a pivotal role in organizing and leading the historic 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his famous speech, “We Shall Overcome.”
- In 1965, Lewis led the march for voting rights from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, which became known as “Bloody Sunday” after state troopers brutally attacked the peaceful protesters.
- He served as the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) from 1963 to 1966, and as the director of the Voter Education Project from 1970 to 1977.
- In 1986, Lewis was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Georgia’s 5th congressional district. He has been re-elected 16 times and is currently the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation.
- Throughout his career, Lewis has been a vocal advocate for human rights, social justice, and nonviolent protest. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
Key Contributions by John E. Lewis
- John E. Lewis has been a tireless advocate for civil rights and has dedicated his life to fighting against racial discrimination and inequality.
- He played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which were landmark pieces of legislation in the fight for racial equality.
- Lewis has also been a strong advocate for gun control, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration reform.
- He has been a vocal critic of the current administration and has used his platform to speak out against injustices and promote social change.
- Lewis has inspired countless individuals to stand up for their rights and fight for a more just and equal society.
What Sets John E. Lewis Apart
- John E. Lewis is known for his unwavering commitment to nonviolent protest and his belief in the power of love and forgiveness.
- Despite facing numerous obstacles and acts of violence, Lewis remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice and never wavered in his principles.
- He has been a bridge between generations, using his experiences and wisdom to mentor and inspire young activists.
- Lewis has also been a strong advocate for bipartisan cooperation and has worked to build relationships across the aisle to advance important causes.
Takeaways
- John E. Lewis’s life and work serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
- He has shown that one person can make a significant impact in the fight for social justice and that change is possible through nonviolent means.
- Lewis’s commitment to love and forgiveness serves as a powerful example of how to overcome hate and division.
- His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to stand up for what is right and work towards a more just and equal society for all.