Representative Lewis spent three decades building bridges, working across the aisle with folks with whom he shared fundamentally different beliefs while never losing sight of his life's mission - civil rights for all. A self-help book for activists, specifically focusing on the values necessary to make change. We will hear less. I was wearing a backpack, Diane, before it became fashionable to wear a backpack. As the child of sharecroppers,the late Congressman John Lewis helped his parents grow corn, peanuts and cotton. The soldiers and the annoyed group were not intended to allow protestors to pass through, with their firearms, tear gas, and batons. Feel free to join us on Facebook or Twitter. Faith, patience, truth, love, peace, study, and reconciliation: these are the buckets into which Lewis pours his message about the inner transformation that must be realized to effect lasting social change. A civil rights pioneer and Georgia congressman, Lewis (Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of a Movement) seeks to inspire nonviolent activism in a time that he regards as the most violent in history. I have taught this for years, and it was good to hear that I've been on the right track, but the depth and nuance of his explanation deepened my understanding considerably. While at times he comes off as overly optimistic about the future of America and the potentialities of people throughout the world, he lived a life that confirms what he says, and he earned that optimism. He and his peers were soldiers of peace during the civil rights movement. 11:07:45 MS. DIANE REHM Congressman Lewis joins me in the studio. And as , we still don't seem to have all the facts regarding George Zimmerman, Trayvon Martin, what really happened. This movement was only a little stage on the long path to Americas intangible fate. I just returned from attending graduation of some of the leading colleges and universities in America. But as young white Americans, as young Latinos and young Asian Americans and Native -- they're just wonderful. His new book is titled "Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change." His conviction is cultivated while he is raised in the middle of the brutality and fright of the partitioned deep South. The late Congressman John Lewis takes you to a famous bridge where civil rights activists changed history. In Across That Bridge, Congressman Lewis draws from his experience as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement to offer timeless guidance to anyone seeking to live virtuously and transform the. Getting to know how life should be and constructing a plan for executing it. I'm sure you remember the days when intermarriage between the races was a controversial issue.". According to Lewis, this is named faith. You just travel to some other part. I can't imagine that you wouldn't get a sense of that presence and quiet charisma, just being around them. I fear for the future of our country. The Congress acted. However, Lewis was thinking that we are one family. Our rating helps you sort the titles on your reading list from solid (5) to brilliant (10). We would destroy you the same way they tried to destroy President Clinton, and they didn't stop until they had a victory, until they took over the majority in the House and they want to win the White House back at any cost. There are people that want to undo the Act. I hope that these words of Congressman Lewis, plus the introductory quotes for each chapter will whet your appetite for the whole book. that might be important for United States. Across that bridge : life lessons and a vision for change by Lewis, John, 1940 February 21- . Members of Congress, like the president, we should be leaders. It is a success in itself that you study sufficiently so that you own your truth completely. REHMAnd here is a question from Rye, N.H. Donna says, "I wonder what place race played into the Republican Congress, what they said about defeating the new president as their first priority at the beginning of President Obama's term.". REP. JOHN LEWISGood morning, Diane. Whatever we select for our library has to excel in one or the other of these two core criteria: Enlightening Youll learn things that will inform and improve your decisions. To vote is the most precious instrument we have in a democratic society. Lewis and his activist friends found power in their beliefs at the time they finally managed to throw aside these man-made ideas made to bring them down. The part of the book I liked best was Lewis's thorough explanation of the philosophy of the non-violent movement. A helpful and/or enlightening book that, in addition to meeting the highest standards in all pertinent aspects, stands out even among the best. We all are legal. This book review will illuminate the vision of freedom of John Lewis, first-hand. John Lewis, in full John Robert Lewis, (born February 21, 1940, near Troy, Alabama, U.S.died July 17, 2020, Atlanta, Georgia), American civil rights leader and politician best known for his chairmanship of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and for leading the march that was halted by police violence on the Edmund Pettus Bridge However, it was not only this. I have spent very little time with our baby (who hasnt Our hearts and prayers are with those affected by the tragedy thatoccurred in Boston. The worst of propriety Lewis ever attested was the State Union speech in which President Obama was mentioned as a liar.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'goodbooksummary_com-box-4','ezslot_6',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-goodbooksummary_com-box-4-0'); However, it looks like people start to see the truth. Each one reflects on these major lessons, providing both an inspiring introduction to a particular aspect of nonviolence and short anecdotes from Lewis's own life. Hyperion, $22.99 (192p) ISBN 978-1-4013-2411-7 Faith, patience, truth, love, peace, study, and. The American people were moved. Thanks for listening all. Each chapter/essay dealt with a theme of peaceful resistance via a particular concept: love, peace, unity, etc. Why must we, as members of the human family, immerse ourselves in the agency of turmoil and unrest to affect the evolution of humankind? Lewis and his fellow Freedom Riders demonstrated love by silently resisting the anger of an insulting regime. This expression of regret would not have happened if Lewis has sued or defended himself with violence on that day. Congressman John Lewis of Georgia is with me. God bless you this morning. BUY THIS BOOK Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change John Lewis. However, a greater success of him was that he went beyond the pulpit to convey his message through action. Does the risk for a prize that you might not see with your eyes pay off? He saw obviously that the disparity that governed his world was not correct. But he says there is a unique hostility today that almost seems worse than what he experienced. REHMAnd I'm so happy to have you here. In regards to us having an African American president and the congressional black caucus, I was hoping that the president and that caucus would seize the opportunity to engage with African countries in trade agreements and mineral (word?) LEWIShave used the filibuster, but it's time for us to say that it should be no more. What are some things that you are planning to do? And we must not let that happen. I've long held this position and I attend a lot of churches in my district in Georgia. I had a colleague from my state of Georgia just a few weeks ago had an amendment on the floor to prohibit the Department of Justice for using any money to enforce one section of the Voting Rights Act. LEWISDiane, you're so right. It would seem that every time I talk with a former politician, a former member of Congress, they've said to me that part of the reason they voluntarily left is that Capitol Hill is no longer a place where people can come together to do the best for America, that they come together now across lines in hostility. At getAbstract, we summarize books* that help people understand the world and make it better. You are an inspiration to my life. I so highly recommend this book. African American legislators > Biography. He was arrested more than 40 times, physically attacked and jailed in the fight for desegregation. An intimate account of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis' life, legacy and more than 60 years of extraordinary activism from the bold teenager on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement to the legislative powerhouse he was throughout his career. Individuals fall in love and get married. This past is a significant memory that shows things may look gloomy like in the time of Lewis on the top of that bridge. He did not get angry at the racism, it attracted his attention. I also wanted to thank him for being such a role model for college students (unintelligible) on that students can change the world for the better. Furthermore, he realized that apartheid was something fundamentally wrong because of wrong logic. (May), A longtime congressman and legendary civil rights veteran, John Lewis is at this mornings Book and Author Breakfast to talk about his new graphic autobiography March, the first, In this dazzling memoir, essayist Rosen (The Life of the Skies: Birding at the End of Nature) chronicles his thorny relationship with his childhood friend Michael Laudor, a, This riveting true crime saga from former federal prosecutor Fishman and Mens Journal contributing editor Hooper (Muscle Medicine) begins in 2009 when Fishman, then working in, Carroll (Comandante: Hugo Chavezs Venezuela), the Guardians Ireland correspondent, recreates a real-life Day of the Jackal in this sterling account of a 1984 plot to, Historian Gwynne (Empire of the Summer Moon) delivers a fascinating account of the bad decisions, distractions, naivete, and sheer incompetence behind the crash of the massive, Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change, The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions, Fire on the Levee: The Murder of Henry Glover and the Search for Justice After Hurricane Katrina, There Will Be Fire: Margaret Thatcher, the IRA, and Two Minutes That Changed History, His Majestys Airship: The Life and Tragic Death of the Worlds Largest Flying Machine. Now 65, he and Diane revisit his provocative essay. And I think it's this fear with a growing and changing population that in a matter of a few short years African American, the Latino population and the Asian American population and the Native American population will make a majority of the population. He writes, Why do we struggle? At its worst, it resembles an extended campaign speech: Some people have told me that I am a rare bird in the blue sky of dreamers despite every attempt to keep me down, I have not been shaken. In between these extremes is the advice of a wise uncle who has earned the right to say his peace. We're better people than that. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The movement formed an example of tackling todays hardships. And coming as it does from a civil rights hero like John Lewis, this is important information for our own time. The job was not complete. Conduct of life. LEWISWe believed in the way of peace, in the way of love, in the way of nonviolent, and some of the people that attacked me and beat me during the '60s have come up and said, I'm sorry, will you forgive me. We made a lot of progress but we still have a great distance to go. LEWISSometimes I feel like we can do better, that we can do much better, but we must open up the political process and let all of the people come in. The way to reach the truth is not only studying academically. United States. And he probably misspoke. The right to vote is so important. To Fort Worth, Texas. Owning faith is being sure about your dreams like you are about the water is being liquid and the sky is being blue. LEWISI would like to think, I really would like to think maybe, just maybe that race did not play a role. He was going down the wrong path and he recognized that. It was not a coincidence that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became the leader of the movement. REHMAnd welcome back. However, Lewis' involvement in the fight for social justice did not end after the 50s and 60s. LEWISThe American people didn't like it. In this engaging memoir, he details his journey through rural Alabama, the 1960s-era voting rights protests and the halls of Congress. Read a Sample. I was at Brown University. This exemplifies the potential of activism even in current days. Throughout my career, I have never referred to anyone as a racist or as a thug. I was at Harvard. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people wont feel insecure around you. You know, we talk an awful lot in this country about voting and the people who do vote, the people who don't vote, the people who now cannot vote. I'm Diane Rehm. It is no longer believed. It reminded me of Emmett Till in 1955 in the State of Mississippi. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The insight portrayed, and depiction that, "education is the most important tool to institute this change" was amplified during Lewis's marches with Rev. John Lewis guided a crowd of pacifist protestors to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on March, 7th, 1965. Instead, such violence would conceal Wilsons fault and it would be much harder for him to realize his guilt and accept it boldly. I thought we would be arrested and jailed. We continued to walk. He has been a member of Congress since 1986. However, some people can inspire all of us. Civil rights activists transformed the ongoing unjust situations for African Americans in the strongest country of the world in just 12 years. In Across That Bridge, Congressman John Lewis draws from his experience as a prominent leader of the civil rights movement to offer timeless wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful principles for anyone interested in challenging injustices and inspiring real change toward a freer, more peaceful society. The aim for these? Excerpted from the book Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change by Congressman John Lewis. Accessed day month year. And I was also -- wanted to talk to you and see what you thought about the generation after your movement and how just with the freedom how open their hearts and their minds became from the past. We help you to meet your learning objectives. There is definitely a Christian bent here, unsurprising for a man who studied to be a preacher, and he often makes an effort to extend into broader ideas of faith. We are not even meeting in many places in your own state of Georgia, your own home state, a replacement birth rate. LEWISWell, in "Across the Bridge" one of the life lessons is study. Thanks for taking my call. Whatever they do, they should do it in a peaceful, nonviolent, orderly fashion and recreate a truly multiracial democratic society. Parks was not someone who just sat down because she was tired, but was a committed civil rights activist who put her faith in the tools she learned at Highlander and chose to take the stand that was needed. It takes time but it can be done. We have within us the ability to affect change for the better and to live in truth. We need reminded. Ironically, rush and more usually mean less. Mother Theresa, Study: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. The Edmund Pettus Bridge was the site of the conflict of "Bloody Sunday" on March 7, 1965, when armed policemen attacked civil rights demonstrators with billy clubs and tear gas as they were attempting to march to the Alabama State Capital of Montgomery. In effect, the tale was dissimilar. Its not a primer for non-violent change but rather a pathway to change. He lived in Alabamas cotton fields where racism was how people live. Good morning to you, sir. While I often have a hard time living up to his ideals, I am inspired by his deeply held belief in the unity and equality of all people. And he is one of the leaders, one of the bright leaders for the future. Hes a national treasure and we need to hear more from him. Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work/Biography. LEWISAt the end of that speech, he said, and we shall overcome. From that organization, Parks learned about events and protests that activists designed to spotlight segregation on the public transit system. Get help and learn more about the design. He died on July 17, 2020. A helpful and/or enlightening book, in spite of its obvious shortcomings. And not one minister ever said anything to me about my position. For instance he spent many pages on the idea that change takes time, reformers will need to be patient. A helpful and/or enlightening book that combines two or more noteworthy strengths, e.g. For experts Youll get the higher-level knowledge/instructions you need as an expert. LEWISI don't think the black caucus issued any statement concerning the Treyvon Martin shooting. His new book is titled "Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change." How does one bring them along? REHMBut surely you're not saying that if President Obama loses the election that America would not continue to move forward. "I truly believe when you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to do something. TOMMYCongressman John Lewis, wow, what an honor and a privilege. I absolutely loved this book for what is has to say about bringing truth and peace to America, and the world. A must read for those in the struggle today for equality and fairness. Clearly I am gushing with joy, excitement and love! Lots of pacifist protestors were ruthlessly battered, and hospitalization was needed for some of them. Today we seldom do anything in a bipartisan fashion. Yesterday, President Obama and the First Family joined thousands of Americans at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, to honor the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who bled there, on that very pavement exactly 50 years ago.Many of those original "foot soldiers" joined him yesterday, including Congressman John Lewis, who helped to organize the . At the peak of the bridge, they saw the State troopers and the assigned citizens of Alabama. Controversial Youll be confronted with strongly debated opinions. But can anything really change? Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., he joined the burgeoning civil rights movement. The tale of John Lewis is sufficient to demonstrate that since he went through verbal swears, assassinations, and 40 arrests. LEWISDiane, what I try to suggest that in these times, in these days that we live, something is going wrong in our society. Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work/Biography. A book from 2012 that is so appropriate at this time in our country. Overview Youll get a broad treatment of the subject matter, mentioning all its major aspects. http://glose.com/book/across-that-bridge I recommend this book to anyone who cares about truth, goodness and working for justice. I loved this book (read it in one sitting) and as Douglas Brinkley says in his foreward every young person should read this homily on civility. You visit the reservations, the way Native Americans have been treated. And we all cried a little to hear the president of the United States say, and we shall overcome. I'm going to continue to speak about the way of peace, the way of love, the way of nonviolence. I wanted to be able to brush my teeth. Across That Bridge Quotes Showing 1-30 of 79 "You are a light. John Lewis is an amazing human being, a true leader & has an unbelievable outlook on life today in America & the world which I find even more incredible because of the things he has lived through & endured. If we have to find a way to say to people if you don't vote, you don't count. Now 65, he and Diane revisit his provocative essay. I know the mayor. You did have a feeling -- a good feeling. I went to University of New Hampshire Law School, the University of Connecticut Law School. Why participate in the work of justice at all? He never hesitated in his belief in nonaggression or that we are only human as a family, whatever our race is. With vivid details and a front-row perspective, Lewis, who died July 18, 2020, providesmore than a memoir about the early civil rights movement and its leaders. DAVIDWhat I wanted to call about is when I teach media history, we talk about the coverage of Pettus Bridge broke on the media and interrupted the Nuremberg trial the first time it was shown on network television. Risk-free: no credit card is required. When this president was reelected -- well, first elected, I should say, he inspired people not only in America, but all over the world, and we should embrace it. REHMAll right. A helpful and/or enlightening book that stands out by at least one aspect, e.g. But at the same time, I had what I call an executive session with myself. I see some truth in his ideas, but his core beliefs are so liberal that it causes me to be a little skeptical about his practical advice. And these young people, they get the message of the civil rights movement. It is a symbol of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights. The Civil Rights Movement, above all, was a work of love. A very uplifting book. This was one of the gloomiest times of the American civil rights movement. I thought it was the last non-violent protest for me. However, encouraging humankind to allow their light glow is not initiated by Lewis. Around 100 million of them were dead because of political pressure. Since that dreadful day, America has made a big improvement in closing the racial gap. You saw these men putting on their gas masks. However, he also formed his persona knowingly. And you have to use that vote. LEWISWell, I think, first of all, the president, the congressional black caucus and many other members of the Congress, especially (unintelligible), have always been supportive of trade relations with Africa, countries in Africa and other parts of the world. This is the strongest testament of Lewis for the strength of love in the face of brutal hate. We did have bipartisan bills on the floor and they passed. It's the most -- it is the thing that controls everything that we do from the time that we're born until the time that we die in democratic society. We don't know how to say I'm sorry, excuse me, pardon me. For many people, that review would be helpful, but since I teach US history, a lot of that information was not new to me. You should ask this question to yourself and answer it according to yourself. contains uncommonly novel ideas and presents them in an engaging manner. LEWISIt is my hope and my prayer that America will continue to move forward whatever happens, but I think there's greater possibility that the country will move forward, and the American people will move forward, with the reelection of President Barack Obama. You say there is a unique hostility in these times that almost seems worse to me than what we experienced in the 1960s. Nowadays, it's frequently challenging to focus. In the introduction to your book, you say we've come a great distance as a society, but we still have a great distance to go. The subtitle says it all: This book was one of the most profound, intelligent, thought provoking works I have ever read. This may sound contrary to common-sense. The American Civil Rights Movement has inspired people across the world to stand up for social justice. In the end, these guns ruled the nation.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'goodbooksummary_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_18',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-goodbooksummary_com-narrow-sky-2-0'); Lewis was among the core 13 Freedom Riders. We can do much better. Innovative You can expect some truly fresh ideas and insights on brand-new products or trends. I have always admired John Lewis. Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates. The trouble with reviewing an audio book, especially one that I took 6 months to list/read, is it is hard to remember things. As a conservative and a Lutheran, I have a much lower opinion of human nature. However, no matter what, they turned back and waited consistently every single day. Short break and we'll be right back. I think he led the House in a different direction, led us to a different place. REHMWho do you see as some of the most promising young African American leaders today? That's not good for our society. Just have the feeling that people need to know the lessons that we learn and what we try to do just try to help a little bit. I highly recommend this book to readers who want to develop more meaning in their lives, advocates of social justice, or those who love to read about history. Hachette Book Group USA, Truly an incredible experience reading this book. This is a man who has lived to see the change. The president acted. They took huge steps, however, the war has not completely won. Why One Doctor Says We Should Focus On Living Well, Not Long, A.P. Analytical Youll understand the inner workings of the subject matter. The secrets of non-violence to overcome the illusions of superiority and false righteousness. REHMHow would you feel about the introduction and the support for a third party in this country? He also argues strongly against war as counterproductive in a way that seemed naive and simplistic. LEWISOh, yes. All of the actions, his and ours, save the strength of light on this world. KAREEMGood morning, sir. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? He bears witness to the ways in which these practices came together in the Civil Rights Movement, and particularly in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, to create a context where the movement was modeling the kind of world it was striving to create. We must respect the dignity and the worth of every human being and everybody must be included. Make sure you do well in school, pursue a degree, and work your way up the ladder of business to a comfortable life. REHMAnd when you say it goes back to Newt Gingrich, who is still very much on the scene, what do you mean? Manage Settings REHMAnd now that Voting Rights Act is in some ways being challenged. This opening serves as a testament for where the March trilogy is headed. REHMDo you think that when Barack Obama was elected president our hopes were too high? And it was like what I would call the essence of the beloved community. You're on the air. Glose, glose.com/book/across-that-bridge. Their guns were absolute love and readiness to devote themselves to a better society. For instance, it may offer decent advice in some areas while being repetitive or unremarkable in others. As Henry Louis Gates, a Harvard professor, stated, the test was so challenging that his counterpart could find the correct response to only one question. You know, I talk about being in one house, one family and I still believe that. It challenged me to think of how I view the political & moral climate & how I choose to react. It doesn't matter whether you're a billionaire, a millionaire or whether you're middle income or low income, we all have one vote. Also, Congressman Lewis writes about his experience of being beaten, and his incarceration. Eventually, in activist societies, lots of stress is placed on determined, strong movements, such as protests. Good morning, David. Furthermore, with exciting examples from his exceptional life, you will learn the fundamentals of all real activists. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. Let's go to Esa in Annapolis, Md. LEWISOh, I think we are in the midst of it all. Visionary Youll get a glimpse of the future and what it might mean for you. The project consists of 4 main parts: Bridge spans over I-5 LEWISHe had to backtrack. And also the other question is, this will be quick, as far as coming from other countries giving birth to our children in the United States being American citizens, would they undergo this (unintelligible) that Romney and the rest of the Republican party who are (unintelligible) are our children gonna be going through this, and what should we do in order not to go through what Barack Obama, our president, is going through today? Thus, nothing could undermine your belief that your convictions are correct. It's almost sacred. I like to play soccer too :) Good Reads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/106467014-sava-ate, Employee to Entrepreneur by Steve Glaveski [Book Summary - Review]. There's a photograph of the late President John F. Kennedy sailing on his beloved Victura on the wall of U.S. Rep. John Lewis' 19th-floor office that bares this quote: "One man can make a . I thought I was going to die. John Lewis discusses his comic book series MARCH on a special episode of NPT's A WORD ON WORDS. LEWISWell, you're right. We need to make it as simple as possible for people to be able to participate. Free shipping for many products! And he embraced the people that he grew up with, the black people in the community or Sumter County and Americus and Plains. The triumph of truth. LEWISThat's not good for America. LEWISsmart, gifted young man. So many gave so much that seems to have been forgotten. His wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful ideas will inspire a new generation to usher in a freer, more peaceful society. Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work/Biography. Look at Lewis fellow and counterpart Rosa Parks. Every page is filled with lines that are quotable. Finished Across That Bridge by John Lewis. With an engaged electorate once again confronting questions of social inequality, there's no better time to revisit the lessons of the '60s and no better leader to learn from than Congressman John Lewis. We are not there yet. 2023 Copyright Good Book Summaries [Daily Updated], link to Employee to Entrepreneur by Steve Glaveski [Book Summary - Review], link to Noise by Joseph McCormack [Book Summary - Review].