Reviving the dream: John Lewis calls for action

[sheshe2]

"I am happy because I've seen change," Lewis continued. "The signs that I saw that said 'white men' 'colored men,' 'white woman,' 'colored woman,' those signs are gone, and they will not return. The only place you will see those signs is in a book, in a museum or a video ... but there's still a lot of work to do."

Lewis called on the crowd to use compassion, respect, kindness and humanity to bring about change. He told stories of the Civil Rights era, about his days as a Freedom Rider, about being spit on and having cigarettes put out on his back or burned with hot coffee trying to desegregate lunch counters.

snip

When I got arrested, I felt free," he said. "I felt liberated. I felt like I crossed over, and I have not turned back since."

To much applause, Lewis encouraged the crowd to protect voting rights.

"All of us must get out there and see that all of our people all across America are registered and then turn out on Election Day and vote like you have never voted before," he bellowed. "The vote is precious, in a democracy it's almost sacred, and we have to use it for good."

Read More: http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2015/08/23/reviving-dream-john-lewis-calls-action/32231425/

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[leftofcool]

1. I love this man.

[sheshe2]

2. I am with you there, leftofcool.

[eridani]

3. A real national treasure

Glad that we still have him after losing Julian Bond.

[brer cat]

4. He knows the key to the kingdom:

"The vote is precious, in a democracy it's almost sacred, and we have to use it for good."

K&R. Thanks, sheshe.

[sheshe2]

6. That picture.

John and Barack.

I don't really know how to express what I feel when I look at it. There is so much history and emotion in that embrace. It makes me weep a bit. I am to tired to even try to put it into words.

Hugs, brer cat.

[brer cat]

7. The old warrior

who paved the way for this remarkable young man to reach the absolute top. I doubt very much that John Lewis ever imagined that he would live to see it, and PBO will never forget those who made it possible. Yes there would be such deep feelings between those two.

Please get some rest and take care of yourself. I do worry about you, sheshe.

[pinboy3niner]

5. I got to march with him against voter suppression once in Columbus, Ohio

I still have the placard he signed for me, though in hindsight I wish I had carried a smaller one than 3' x 4'.

[freshwest]

8. There are many kinds of heroes in this world. We owe minorities for making our dreams reality. n/t

[840high]

9. I admire and respect him with all my heart.

[William769]

10. Kick & highly recommended!

[KMOD]

11. John Lewis is a national treasure.

[George II]

12. A great American, I'm really glad he got to see Barack Obama get elected and gladder to see....

....the two of them work together in government.

He doesn't get enough credit for what he's done over the decades.

[okasha]

13. John Lewis is a guiding light

for all who work for freedom. The Black civil rights movement broke the trail for women, LGBT's, First Nations and more. Very few have deserved that medal as much as he does.

[Cha]

14. "Step out there with grace, faith and love and do not be afraid," Lewis said That's exactly

what #BlackLivesMatter Activists do, she~

Mahalo for John Lewis~ #BlackLivesMatter

[sheshe2]

15. Perfect statement from John Lewis on #BLM.

He should know, he has been an activist for his entire life.

[Cha]

16. Yes, John Lewis comes with excellent credentials.

#BlackLivesMatter

[SunSeeker]

17. Beautiful! nt