A Hero - John Lewis - Continues to Inspire

Rep. John Lewis is a true American hero. He's also one of mine. He's an example of a man who knows who he is, who knows what's right and who knows when and how to act for the sake of peace and justice.

John Lewis has inspired many over the years, partly because of his history at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama in 1965 and partly because of his commitment to non violence in general as well as his commitment to civility in Congress. The video and still photos of Lewis and others being beaten in Selma are embedded in history forever. Here's the other thing that draws people to John Lewis. He really believes in those things he preaches, teaches and talks to all of us about. He believes in non violence, turning the other cheek, forgiving your enemy and standing strong in the face of injustice.

Lewis has spoken to elementary, high school and college students all over the country. He has told them over and over that they should go out in the world and to get into trouble, good trouble as he makes sure to clarify. His view of good trouble is standing up to injustice no matter where it appears. No matter if its in your school, at your workplace or in government on any level. But his message about getting into trouble is also wedded with discussions about the importance of civility and getting along, finding compromise but not compromising your beliefs.

John Lewis has always understood the power of non violence. He also has understood the power of music and how it plays a role in uniting people during a protest. Lewis uses this understanding every year when he brings members of Congress together for an annual Civil Rights Pilgrimage that usually includes Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, Alabama. Visiting iconic sites where blood was spilt, and injustice confronted, Lewis makes sure that non violence is discussed and explored. He makes sure that people not only hear the music but also participate in the songs and chants of the movement.

I've been lucky enough to march with John Lewis a couple of times. First in 1965 in Selma when I was one of thousands of people who responded to Martin Luther King, Jr's call for people from other parts of the country to come and join in the protests for voting rights. Then again in 2007 when I joined then Congressman Amo Houghton from my area in one of those Congressional Pilgrimages led by Lewis.

John Lewis recently announced that he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer and is undergoing treatment. He says this is the hardest journey he has ever undertaken but he is moving forward. So a hero continues his march. We should all learn from him. This good troublemaker deserves as much support as we can all offer him. He is a treasure. He's still here doing what he does best, standing his ground and inspiring young and old.