An Evening with John Lewis

So much to put into words . . . . the entire evening was unbelievable! I'm not sure how the organizers plan to top the first night, with an impeccable dinner at Paschal's Restaurant--followed by a personal memoir of the movement by Congressman John Lewis, in the style of interview by Julian Bond.



Lewis has been a historical hero of mine for a very long time. I admit to being a bit fearful of meeting someone I had admired through books, documentary film, and now in television clips, but Mr. Lewis did not disappoint. He was personable almost to a fault--giving time to each and every member of a 50-person group--all of whom wanted to share a story, ask advice, or just simply offer thanks.


He talked for a little over an hour--giving a detailed account of his perspective on The Movement from the time he first knew about the Montgomery Bus Boycott, to his time as a leader in the Nashville Sit-ins, a participant in the Freedom Rides, speaker a the March on Washington, marcher in Selma, Alabama, and finally, the "Dark Days" of April 1968 following the assassination of Dr. King. Throughout, Lewis exclaimed: "We didn't give up, we didn't get bitter, we didn't become hostile."



A moving experience--no doubt the highlight of my professional career.