John Lewis Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC

Another important turning point in Lewis life was when he decided not to go to college. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go to college, but that Lewis felt that helping others were more important. On his application for the freedom riders, he wrote, “I know that education is important and I hope to get one, but human dignity is the most important thing in my life.” (Lewis 30) In other words, Lewis was willing to put his entire life on hold in able to help others and stand up for what he believed in. After being told no by his parents, he said, “In Nashville I’d meet people who opened my eyes to a sense of values that would forever dominate my moral philosophy—the way of peace, the way of love, the way of nonviolence.” (Lewis 70) So although Lewis didn’t get to

On Easter weekend in 1960, as a college student, Bond wound up as a pioneering member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). The committee which grasped on all the

One thing that I learned about that I didn’t know about was the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). In the course book on 940, it mentions that they embraced civil disobedience and the nonviolence principles of Martin Luther King Jr. They would not respond with violence if they were attacked. In an article titled, “SNCC”, written by the History.com staff, it mentions that in 1966, when Stokely Carmichael was elected head of the SNCC he had new tactics one of which was the use of violence as a legitimate means of self-defense. It goes on to mentions that his successor, H. Rap Brown, went further, saying, “Violence is as American as cherry pie.” This is what made it interesting, they group started of with not responding to the

Every person experiences specific points in their life that shapes who they are. This can be exhibited in the book March. Throughout the book the life events of John Lewis are displayed and it is clear to see that these events changed him. Even though many of the events in his life may have changed John Lewis, the turning points in John Lewis' life helped make him a more inspired man and more influential in the civil rights movement. John Lewis receives a bible, goes on to be inspired by MLK’s speech, gets arrested for his protests, and stops going home to his family as much all of which motivated him to help and support the civil rights movement.

Forty-five times. In his lifetime, Congressman John Lewis has been arrested forty-five times. This includes five times during his term in Congress (Douglas). As an African-American non-violent protestor, bus integrating Freedom Rider, and member of the civil rights leadership known as the “Big Six,” John Lewis fought all of his life for civil rights. Lewis grew up modestly in Alabama on his parents’ farm before beginning his journey in civil rights advocacy. In the graphic novels series, March, John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell portray Lewis’s eventful life through powerful text and impactful illustrations. As an influential civil rights activist, John Lewis had numerous turning points in his life. Perhaps the most influential moments

On August 28, 1963, John Lewis delivered his memorable speech on Washington to a 200,000 crowd of activist demanding peace and equality. Lewis’ purpose is to inspire others to join their march and make a mark on history. He adopts a demanding and bold tone in order to persuade the black activists and politicians to change the social norms and to join the social revolution. By demonstrating his demanding claims for equal rights to the politicians, whites, and African - Americans, John Lewis effectively utilizes syntax and diction to adequately get his message of hope, equality and desegregation.

Johnson. He was instrumental in getting black voting rights passed in the United States by putting forth the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He “considered the Voting Rights Act his greatest legislative achievement” (Califano, Selma Flaw). LBJ was crucial to getting voting rights that were of utmost importance to blacks at the time. Another key figure in Selma was obviously Martin Luther King, Jr. He was integral in the push for black rights, leading many different non-violent protests in order to secure rights for all blacks. Before the events in Selma, King led the blacks on the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was successful in removing the segregated bus lines. MLK was crucial in acquiring black rights, but in Selma he was crucial to rallying the people and leading them. Another key figure was the youngest of the major civil rights leaders of that time. This was John Lewis, who was the chairman of the unsuccessful SNCC group in Selma. He was one of the few spearheading the march to Montgomery. He was seen being beaten, which was reported in the news, causing the black rights movement to get

On that day, nearly a thousand African American children were arrested. Lewis implies “It was an embarrassment to the city” [Lewis and Aydin 2: 135]. The next day the children marched again. This time Bull Connor was determined NOT to let the protests continue. He swore that he would not make any arrests this time. He sprayed them with water hoses and even turned the police dogs on them. Connor yells “Do NOT cross—if you come any further, we WILL turn the hoses on you! Bring the dogs” [Lewis and Aydin 2: 136]. After this happened on June 11th, 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. announced plans for a massive march to take place later that summer. On June 14th, 1963, Lewis received a noticed that the chairman of SNCC was resigning and he was elected the new chairman. On June 22nd, 1963, John Lewis, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., A. Philip Randolph, Roy Wilkins (of the NAACP), Jim Farmer (of C.O.R.E.), and Whitney Young (of the urban League) all met at the white house to speak with President John F Kennedy. They will forever be known as the big six in the history of the civil rights. During their visit to the white house they spoke about the upcoming march on Washington. After the meeting Robert Kennedy pulled Lewis aside and spoke words he will never forget. “You, the young people of SNCC, have educated me. You have CHANGED me. Now I understand.” [Lewis and Aydin 2: 152]. On August 28th, 1963, one of the biggest peaceful

(47). As you can see Lewis even as a child, wanted all of the black people to have the same equal rights and live the same lifestyle as the

In the “Speech on March Washington” on August 28, 1963, civil rights activist John Lewis spoke at Washington D.C. In a movement for equal rights. Lewis’ purpose is to amplify his voice to show the unfair treatment of people of color during that time of segregation. Throughout the address, he applies pathos in order persuade the crowd of people to protest against the government 's ways. Change is the main point in John Lewis’s speech, in where he contradicts the idea of it happening due to segregation. Lewis’ speech represents the principles of not surrendering before realizing equal rights for everyone.

Throughout the book of March the people of color are continuously fighting for equal rights. Even when they are faced with countless acts of violence they continue to fight back but in non-violent ways such as Marches. Even when there seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel John Lewis along with many of his peers also known as the SNCC(Student Nonviolent Reconciliation Commitee) begin to see results. Slowly but surely it all pays off in the end when people start to realize the segregation between races is not only morally wrong but also against the law. There are many different marches/ sit-ins throughout the book but the most important ones begin on...

Lewis sat quietly, thinking about the events from the day before. Nearly four years ago, his father, the brilliant and fair president, was discovered to be an illegal immigrant that never went through naturalization. When people heard about this, they were both outraged and concerned. Citizens across America were scared that the president wasn’t a trustful person the whole time, so they threatened to throw him out of the White House if he didn't resign peacefully. The President refused to leave and ordered the military to wipe out all the people threatening him, leading to absolute chaos. He hire assassins to get rid of opposing officials and created a totalitarian country for himself. President Norris changed the 1st Amendment out of paranoia and made it nearly impossible to oppose him. There was no way of criticizing the government or himself with press, assembly, and petition. He thought that he had so much control, that no one would speak against him, so he believed that it wasn’t necessary to remove the freedom of speech. As the president announced this, he thought that he was kind enough to give the people this freedom with the freedom of religion. Protesters fought

Listening to Martin Luther King’s speech changed the way Lewis viewed everyday activities, he felt like he was not doing his part by sitting on the sidelines. “Dr. King’s message hit me like a bolt of lightning. He applied the principles of the church to what was happening now, Today. It was called the Social Gospel and I felt like he was preaching directly to me.” (Lewis Aydin 56). Lewis could not get enough information on MLK, he had to go to the library and look up everything he could about this man. This changed Lewis by opening his eyes to a bigger better world. He felt that MLK was different from any other leader and that’s exactly what Lewis wanted to do, but didn’t know how so his uncle took him on a trip to Buffalo.

Growing up during the civil rights era for many presented a world of harsh segregation and inequality. The graphic novel March, written by John Lewis and coauthor Andrew Aydin with illustrations by Nate Powell, provides the reader a glimpse into the life of a young John Lewis. Coming from a humble beginning as the child of a farmer in Alabama, he later became a prominent leader of the civil rights movement. While there are many turning points throughout John Lewis’ life, four critically influenced his direction and philosophy by establishing a sense of purpose, and creating opportunities that promoted growth and development of character.

The great orator and Civil Rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. once said,”Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” King’s message of love for one’s opposition, inspired a young black boy in the heart of racially torn Alabama named John Lewis. A born leader, Lewis fought his whole life to dismantle the racial inequities present in the 1950’s. The graphic novel March: One written by John Lewis portrays all of the trials and tribulations he faced while marching towards a more civil tomorrow. The historic scenes depicted in March: One are sadly still relevant in the modern day. Unearthing the atrocities of the 1950’s Civil Rights Movement, Lewis’ graphic novel draws connections to my own life and has inspired support of causes similar to that of the Civil Rights movement.