Taking the morning to watch the funeral of Congressman John Lewis, right now watching the broadcast on NBC, where right now Jon Meacham is speaking and in his praise for Lewis has just said "This is not sentimentality, this is history."
We are fortunate that so much documentation about John Lewis exists across so many formats, including his autobiographical works and his writings. This morning brings news that
I'm ready for catharsis this morning, to weep for the people who have been dishonored and whose lives have been stolen by hate and racism.
The church bells are ringing now as people enter the church.
The service is beginning now in Ebenezer Baptist Church, spiritual home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The pastor already has the entire group of people attending on their feet applauding for Lewis.
Can you imagine the joyful reunion Lewis will have on the other side?
Rev. Bernice King is speaking now, speaking to the country, to the world, from the church where her father preached.
Jennifer Holliday is singing now and the broadcast is showing footage of people gathered outside the church. People inside are lifted to their feet at the power of her voice.
Rev James Lawson Jr. is welcomed to the speaker's place with applause. He is giving a master class on the history of the Civil Rights Movement and his voice becomes a towering presence as he calls for honoring Lewis by fulfilling the promises of the Constitution. He calls for us to be loud as long as women and children are in poverty, as long as our country continues to be violent, as long as our economy is shaped by plantation capitalism.
A message from Former President Carter is read. Kathleen Bertrand is singing and raising the audience.
Xerrnona Clayton is speaking now. She is sharing the story of how she was the matchmaker for John Lewis and his wife Lillian and it is like hearing a cherished family story.
William Campbell, former mayor of Atlanta is speaking now, reflecting on the first time he met Lewis.
Jamila Thompson, Lewis' Deputy Chief of Staff is speaking and her voice is thick with grief.
But in recounting what is what like to work with him, says with a huge smile "He was always in our business." Sharing the spirit and energy of being around him, and sharing the names of staff who worked with him for many years. Sharing his work ethic and legendary memory and that she has saved the voicemail messages from him on her phone.
I'm going to stop chronicling for now because I know Obama will be on soon and I'm going to give my full attention to the rest of this powerful service.
Lewis wrote an essay published in the NY Times today that concludes:
"Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.
When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide."
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