On the 17th of July of 2020, we lost two Civil Rights Icons within hours of each other: the Reverend C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis.
They devoted their lives to fight for the advancement of African Americans in America.
A few years back, Representative Lewis did a piece on The CBS Morning Show entitled “Note to Self: John Lewis”. In it he discussed as a child that he was denied a library card because of the color of his skin. He felt incredibly sad, but his life went full circle when that same library later invited him to do a book signing. At that event, he was given a book card.
In the scheme of things, Mr. Lewis being denied a library card was not long ago. During his lifetime, he has seen and caused great change for many.
As a child, I would spend hours in the library, and often take home the maximum amount because I loved to escape in a book. For a few years, I was the book reading champion in my school. (Nerd alert!) I cannot imagine being denied access to the library, just because of the color of my skin.
To this day, I still use my library card, and checked out a digital book this week. Without that access, my life may have turned out very differently.
Thank you Reverend Vivian and Congressman Lewis for all you have done. I am grateful for your dedication and others who have come before.
“You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light. Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness.
Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.”-John Lewis
