More from John Lewis
I would say to a young person: continue to study. Study what is taking place in your community, in your neighborhood, maybe at your school.
John LewisJohn Lewis Voting is the most powerful nonviolent tool or instrument that we have in a democratic society. And we must use it.
John LewisJohn Lewis Rioting is not a movement. It is not an act of civil disobedience.
John LewisJohn Lewis To divide people based on race, a color, a religion, a sexual orientation, it’s just wrong.
John LewisJohn Lewis I met Rosa Parks when I was 17. I met Dr. [Martin Luther] King when I was 18. These two individuals inspired me to find a way to get in the way, to get in trouble. So I got in good trouble, necessary trouble.
John LewisJohn Lewis When people tell me nothing has changed, I say come walk in my shoes and I will show you change.
John LewisJohn Lewis When growing up, I saw segregation. I saw racial discrimination. I saw those signs that said white men, colored men. White women, colored women. White waiting. And I didn’t like it.
John LewisJohn Lewis We are one community, one family. Really, we are the American family.
John LewisJohn Lewis Freedom is not a state; it is an act.
John LewisJohn Lewis A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few.
John LewisJohn Lewis We need someone who will stand up and speak up and speak out for the people who need help, for people who are being discriminated against.
John LewisJohn Lewis Every generation leaves behind a legacy. What that legacy will be is determined by the people of that generation. What legacy do you want to leave behind?
John LewisJohn Lewis You have to have hope. You have to be optimistic in order to continue to move forward.
John LewisJohn Lewis If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.
John LewisJohn Lewis We must continue to go forward as one people, as brothers and sisters.
John LewisJohn Lewis I truly believe that one day we will get there, we will arrive. And if we do it right in America, maybe, just maybe, we can serve as a model for the rest of the world.
John LewisJohn Lewis
Original quotes
From our community writers
Don’t compare her to sunshine and roses when she’s clearly orchids and moonlight.
Melody LeeMelody Lee Oh moonlight, continue to shine on me. As you light up the sky, maybe some peace will come to me.
ShamaShama Stop counting the reasons why they should be loved and start counting the many reasons why you are the one who is worth loving.
Ayaka HaseAyaka Hase Sure, there are oceans and seas and magnificent things – but none of them are you.
L.T. PhoenixL.T. Phoenix I wish you the wildest of dreams.
Kate WestKate West The way you look at me, The way you make me feel whole, The way you make me feel safe, thats poetry to me.
Barbara GianquittoBarbara Gianquitto You cannot leave and have me too I cannot exist in two places at once-when you ask if we can still be friends.
Rupi KaurRupi Kaur Live to be happy not to impress.
Hayley EvansHayley Evans
Meet the writers
More on black
I’m not black, but there’s a whole lot of times I wish I could say I’m not white.
Frank ZappaFrank Zappa Be Black, buy Black, think Black, and all else will take care of itself.
Marcus GarveyMarcus Garvey I have no desire to take all black people back to Africa; there are blacks who are no good here and will likewise be no good there.
Marcus GarveyMarcus Garvey Look for me in the whirlwind or the storm, look for me all around you, for, with God’s grace, I shall come and bring with me countless millions of black slaves who have died in America.
Marcus GarveyMarcus Garvey The devil is not as black as he is painted.
Dante AlighieriDante Alighieri My heart goes out to all black people who have been mistreated and feeling like this their entire lives.
Tate McRaeTate McRae The heaviness of world can often feel like we’re living in black and white, sometimes all we need is a splash of color to remind us of the good in life.
Z. ElliottZ. Elliott Thoughts on a tapestry. Colour or black and white. A brush, a pen, A flash of light. Ideas flowing soon, about to take flight.
Gerard GleesonGerard Gleeson
