The Country of John Lewis

Good morning.

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."

March

On this January week-end that marks Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, it would be a relevant time to talk about the graphic novel March by Representative John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell.  Given the blatantly racist and hateful statements being said about Representative John Lewis on social media, it is a necessary time to talk about this graphic novel series.

Have you read a graphic novel?  I've been an avid graphic novel reader for a few years now and I've had the benefit of librarian colleagues who have introduced me to this fine category of books.  So I had the good fortune to know about March when volume 1 came out and then eagerly awaited volumes 2 and 3.  I devoured volume 3 when it came out this summer and it has been on my mind frequently since I read it.

The history contained in these three books is history every American should know.  I knew the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, but I did not know that even as the legislation was being signed that a circuit judge in Alabama issued an injunction against public assembly in Selma to stall the work of civil rights activists. I did not know of the arrests,beatings, shootings, church burnings, and bombings that took place in the summer of 1964.  I am so grateful for these books because they illuminate why Civil Rights are essential to society and how very hard people have been working for them.

I want to talk about the illustrations.  Graphic novels are a bit of a challenge for a text monster like myself, because you have to slow down your reading pace and really look as well as read.  But the combination of words and illustration becomes irresistible, and as you slow your pace you fall deeper into the narrative, and find your connection to the book proving itself in the tear that rolls down your nose and splotches the page.  One of the most compelling illustrations in book 3 is on page 225.  It shows that painful moment when you view an injury, lifting the bandage to survey the damage and check for signs of healing.  I was so deep into the book when I turned to that page that my own scalp ached.

Representative John Lewis' strength and resilience and commitment can never be doubted.  Even after being insulted, beaten, arrested, he never gave up.  Never quit.  He is 76 years old and serves as U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district and he has written a series of books that will inspire and educate generations.  

The visual storytelling of this series is fascinating.  I'm deeply impressed with how Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell crafted so many important scenes and poured a great deal of content into a highly engaging presentation.  My favorite spread is on pages 186-187.  I love every detail on those pages.  I'm not going to post another word about them though--you've got to see them for yourself.  

Go get it!  What are you waiting for?  Don't be a lazypants and order it from Scamazon though.  Use the Indiebound page to find out which local bookstores have it:  http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781603094023

Or you can be really daring and go to a comic book store http://www.comicshoplocator.com/Home/1/1/57/575 and ask for it.  

Or see if a copy is available at your local library.  

If you live in one of the country's many book deserts or if you want to order a digital copy of it, or the slipcased edition, please go to the publisher's website:  http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/congressman-john-lewis

Get it, read it, and let's talk about it.