John Lewis was the type of leader who was so impactful that even after passing, he will continue to live in all of us. In his 80 years, he changed millions of lives and the future of the United States of America forever. We send heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
The civil rights legend and congressman of 33 years was born to sharecroppers on February 21, 1940 in Troy, Alabama where he attended segregated public schools and where his desire to become an activist began. Not shortly thereafter, Lewis was arm-in-arm with Martin Luther King Jr. and soon-to-be fellow icons, marching to change humanity. This march would take Lewis beyond Alabama —across the country, around the world, and to 2 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs): Fisk University and American Baptist College, where he graduated in 1967 and 1961, respectively.
Although Lewis has had countless acts of valor and his moments of inspiration are never-ending, a tweet he made in 2018 continues to resonate, especially with the country’s current climate:
“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
Currently, the film GOOD TROUBLE ‘chronicles Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration. Using present-day interviews with Lewis, now 80 years old, Porter explores his childhood experiences, his inspiring family and his fateful meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957. In addition to her interviews with Lewis and his family, Porter’s primarily cinéma verité film also includes interviews with political leaders, Congressional colleagues, and other people who played a prominent role in his life.’
Here are 3 things you can do to prepare to “make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
ONE
Check out the film, Good Trouble, chronicling the late congressman’s 6-plus decade career of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration. Watch it at home or get tickets!
When you watch, be sure to follow along with the GOOD TROUBLE handbook to learn how you can stay informed, take action, and make sure everyone has the ability to vote.
TWO
Volunteer your time. Whether you are comfortable leaving your quarantine quarters or not, your time can be put to good (trouble) use! You can contact your congressperson, find unregistered voters in your community, organize your community or become a poll worker at your local precinct.
THREE
Register to vote. Then Vote! Vote in all the elections, not just the presidential election. Continue to do this for as long as you may live. You can register to vote and find out interesting facts about voting in your area and voter suppression here.
“My dear friends: Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.”
– John Lewis
Visit https://www.johnlewisgoodtrouble.com/ today.
