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The Life And Legacy Of John Lewis

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“I believe in nonviolence as a way of life, as a way of living” John Lewis. Born into the systematic oppression of African Americans in the southern United States, Lewis fought for proper representation and protection of voter’s rights throughout his lifetime. From humble beginnings brought forth a man of peace who practiced his preachings of non-violence. Lewis looked to the teachings of Jesus to protect his cause and ncourage others to seek the dignity of all human beings through his protests against segregation and racial discrimination. His legacy is an example of the continued fight to push for more freedom and equality for all in every corner of the world.
John Lewis was born to a sharecropping family in Troy Alabama in February of 1940 …show more content…

This vessel of courage was met with what is now know as “Bloody Sunday” when marchers reached the end of the bridge and began to pray before they were beaten by Alabama’s state troopers. (Academy of Acheivment). The mass spread publicity from the violence of Bloody Sunday was broadcasted to the public. Consequently, this news sparked outrage in the country and the public demanded progression at the presidential level. Only a week after the outbreak, president Johnson appeared before congress to pass the Voting Rights Act that would enforce the voting rights of African Americans across the country (Academy of Achievement). After the Voting Rights Act passing nationwide, John Lewis became director of the Voter Education Project (VEP) in order to represent the votes of racial minorties in Americna democracy (History …show more content…

Lewis then later called to pass the “Permanent National Act” to guarantee federal protection ove rminority voting rights (history House). With his new political platform, John Lewis took his commitment to Civil Rights across the world in his protest for racial equatliy at the South African embassy in 1988 (History House). Later in 1991, Lewis used his power in congress to speak against American’s intervention in the Gulf War, as a reminder of the peaceful approach. To serve as a better reminder, that same year, Lewis proposed a national museum of African American history to legislation. In 2003 president Bush signed his bill, eventually creating the “National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC” (History Hosue). Continuing more recently, in early summer of 2020 Lewis vocalized his support Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality while he continued to serve in the

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