John Lewis played a big role in the civil rights movement. In 1960, he had been one of the thirteen original freedom riders, as we saw in the movie, they had rode the bus from Washington D.C. to New Orleans. In 1963, when Chuck McDew had stepped down from being chairman of SNCC (Student nonviolent coordinating committee), John Lewis then became the chairman until 1966 because of his prior experience that had gained him respect. During 1981 he had been elected to Atlanta City Council, starting his early political career. In 1986, John Lewis had became a member of the House of Representatives, which he had been reelected for thirteen times and only once did his votes drop below 70%. Since 1991 he has been the Senior Chief Deputy Whip.
I think it is so cool that he was one of the first freedom riders. He was willing to risk his life in order to stand up for what he believed in. Reading about his political career is very inspiring to see ho far he has come and to accomplish so much.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting that John Lewis started out small as a freedom rider and later went on to hold bigger political positions fighting for the civil rights movement. The fact that he was an original freedom rider it gained him respect and helped him towards his political career.
ReplyDeleteThis is very ironic how he started as a freedom rider then later in his life he is active in politics and the government. Hard work pays off as we see in his story
ReplyDeleteJohn Lewis's story is a prime example where a lot a hard work and a strong moral compass can get you. His career amazed me. In my opinion, we need more John Lewis's in office.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that John Lewis had similar progressions through activism and politics as the man i researched, James Farmer. Like John Lewis, Farmer also led an organization in activism called CORE or the congress of racial equality. Then later in life, he also participated in politics, running for congress, and working for president Nixon. In my opinion, it shows that similar minds have similar success in long run.
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