What He Said: 10 powerful John Lewis quotes to fire up your activism
Article By Monica Blaire // EEW Magazine Online // Quotes & Inspiration
Civil rights icon, John Lewis, who marched with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., peacefully protested racism and ascended to the office of US representative for Georgia's 5th Congressional District for more than three decades, has passed on. But his wisdom and impact live on.
Though the Christian activist and political leader’s labor has ended, and he has entered into eternal rest, those of us left behind must pick up where he left off, and continue the fight.
In honor of Lewis’s life and legacy, EEW Magazine Online is sharing 10 powerful quotes from the late leader that will fire up your activism and encourage you to get into what he liked to call “good trouble.”
#1 On making a difference: “Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet.”
#2 On being a disruptor: "Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."
#3 On speaking up: “You cannot be afraid to speak up and speak out for what you believe. You have to have courage, raw courage.”
#4 On fighting for what’s right: “If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.”
#5 On faith leading to action: “The civil rights movement was based on faith. Many of us who were participants in this movement saw our involvement as an extension of our faith. We saw ourselves doing the work of the Almighty. Segregation and racial discrimination were not in keeping with our faith, so we had to do something.”
#6 On being patient with the process: "Take a long, hard look down the road you will have to travel once you have made a commitment to work for change. Know that this transformation will not happen right away. Change often takes time. It rarely happens all at once. In the movement, we didn't know how history would play itself out. When we were getting arrested and waiting in jail or standing in unmovable lines on the courthouse steps, we didn’t know what would happen, but we knew it had to happen."
#7 On the synergy between peace and justice: "A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this movement is simply not an option — for peace cannot exist where justice is not served."
#8 On rejecting hate and embracing love: “Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won. Choose confrontation wisely, but when it is your time don't be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice.”
#9 On the power of faith: “The power of faith is transformative. It can be utilized in your own personal life to change your individual condition, and it can be used as a lifeline of spiritual strength to change a nation.”
#10 On legacy: “Every generation leaves behind a legacy. What that legacy will be is determined by the people of that generation. What legacy do you want to leave behind?”
There are so many good things John Lewis did and said. Though he is no longer with us, glean from his life as motivation to take action now.
