John Lewis's tears over ancestor's voter card stir emotions in Democratic caucus

[Gothmog]

Congressman John Lewis is a national treasure. This story is powerful

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Rep. John Lewis and several of his Democratic colleagues broke down in tears during a closed-door meeting Tuesday after a historian described the congressman’s reaction when he saw his great-great-grandfather’s voter registration card for the first time.

The House Democratic caucus invited Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Henry Louis Gates Jr., who heads the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard University, to preview a new film on reconstruction. Gates spoke about Lewis’s appearance on his PBS show, “Finding Your Roots,” researching the Georgia lawmaker’s family tree and presenting him with his ancestor’s voter card from 1867.

During reconstruction, African Americans were briefly allowed the benefits of full citizenship, including voting and holding seats in Congress.

Lewis (Ga.), who fought for civil rights in the 1960s by organizing protests to end racial segregation, broke down crying in the caucus. His tears made others cry, according to several lawmakers in the room.

[Kurt V.]

1. its name is empathy. Something the opposition party lacks.

[Gothmog]

3. I have heard Congressman Lewis tell his "preaching to chicken story" four times in person

The man is truly amazing

[Kurt V.]

5. i will never ever get to do that. so yeah, I'm a bit jealous. :)

[crazytown]

8. Peter Gabriel

Don't give up
You still have us
Don't give up now
We're proud of who you are
Don't give up
You know it's never been easy
Don't give up
There's a place where we belong

[crazytown]

10. American Prayer

When you get to the top of the mountain
Will you tell me what you see?
If you get to the top of the mountain
Remember me
Dave Stewart

[Gothmog]

11. I agree-do not give up

[Hekate]

2. John Lewis is a national treasure, needed now more than ever just to be there, a conscience

[Karadeniz]

4. I'll bet that meant so much to him! I'm glad he got it.

[KatyaR]

6. That was such an amazing episode.

Rep. Lewis had always thought he was the first in his family to be able to vote. When he saw that voter card, he was undone. It was such a beautiful story.