John Lewis Quotes

Powerful John Lewis for Daily Growth

About John Lewis

John Lewis Quotes (1940-2020), an esteemed American politician, civil rights leader, and congressman, was born on February 21, 1940, in Troy, Alabama. Raised by sharecroppers, his early life was marked by hardship, yet he developed a deep sense of social justice from his family's experiences and the tumultuous times of the Jim Crow South. Lewis attended American Baptist Theological Seminary (now Selma University) before moving to Nashville to study religion at Fisk University in 1957. There, he became involved with the civil rights movement, participating in sit-ins and protests against racial segregation. Lewis's activism escalated when he joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), where he played a pivotal role in organizing the Freedom Rides of 1961, challenging segregation on interstate buses and in transportation terminals. In March 1965, Lewis led the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, which became known as Bloody Sunday due to the brutal attacks by police that Lewis himself suffered. This event helped galvanize support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In 1981, Lewis was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served as the representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district until his retirement in 2021. Throughout his career, John Lewis Quotes authored several books, including "Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement" (1998), which chronicled his experiences as a civil rights leader, and "Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change" (2012), in which he shared wisdom from his life's work. Lewis will be remembered not only for his pivotal role in the civil rights movement but also for his tireless advocacy for human rights, peace, and justice until his passing on July 17, 2020.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Do not get tired. Do not despair. Keep up the struggle. Let us march on."

This quote by John Lewis, a prominent American civil rights leader, emphasizes perseverance, resilience, and persistent action in the face of adversity. The "tired" and "despair" refer to feelings of exhaustion or disheartening that may arise during prolonged struggles. However, he urges us not to yield to these emotions, but instead, continue with determination ("keep up the struggle") towards our goals. Lastly, the call to "march on" symbolizes forward progress, unity, and the continuation of efforts in pursuit of justice and equality.

"When you see something that is not right, not just, not fair, you have a moral obligation to do something about it."

This quote emphasizes the moral responsibility each individual has towards justice and fairness in society. When one witnesses an injustice or inequality, they are not merely passive observers but hold the power to take action to rectify the situation. It underscores the importance of personal accountability and encourages active participation in promoting a just and equitable world.

"We are all in this together, and everyone has a role to play. Generation after generation, we must do our part."

This quote by John Lewis emphasizes unity and shared responsibility among individuals across generations. It suggests that every person has a unique but essential role to contribute towards the betterment of society. The continuous cycle of each generation doing their part highlights the importance of perpetuating positive change and progress throughout history, indicating that our collective efforts have a significant impact on shaping the future.

"I am not one to hold a grudge. I believe in redemption and forgiveness, and that's a very Christian thing for me."

This quote by John Lewis suggests his personal belief in the power of redemption and forgiveness as a means to heal and move past conflicts or wrongdoings. As a deeply religious man, this perspective is rooted in his Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of compassion, mercy, and second chances in resolving disputes and restoring relationships. Lewis' words underscore his commitment to promoting unity and understanding over vengeance and bitterness.

"Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each and every one of us has a role to play in the work of democracy."

This quote by John Lewis emphasizes that democracy isn't just a form of government, but rather a continuous process that requires active participation from its citizens. He underscores that every individual plays a crucial role in upholding and enhancing democracy. It signifies that the health and vitality of a democratic society depend on each person's commitment to engage and contribute to the political, social, and civic life of their community.

The scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.

- John Lewis

Racism, Society, Still, Scars

When I was 15 years old and in the tenth grade, I heard of Martin Luther King, Jr. Three years later, when I was 18, I met Dr. King and we became friends. Two years after that I became very involved in the civil rights movement. I was in college at that time. As I got more and more involved, I saw politics as a means of bringing about change.

- John Lewis

College, Very, Became, Dr

I was so inspired by Dr. King that in 1956, with some of my brothers and sisters and first cousins - I was only 16 years old - we went down to the public library trying to check out some books, and we were told by the librarian that the library was for whites only and not for colors. It was a public library.

- John Lewis

Some, Brothers, Dr. King, Dr

I was honored to have an opportunity to speak on August 28th, 1963.

- John Lewis

Opportunity, Speak, Honored, August

The March on Washington was a March for Jobs and Freedom. There are still too many people who are unemployed or underemployed in America - they're black, white, Latino, Native American and Asian American.

- John Lewis

Still, Jobs, Underemployed, Native

In the past the great majority of minority voters, in Ohio and other places that means African American voters, cast a large percentage of their votes during the early voting process.

- John Lewis

Other, In The Past, Means, Percentage

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. And it doesn't matter whether they are black or white, Latino, Asian or Native American, whether they are straight or gay, Muslim, Christian, or Jews.

- John Lewis

Muslim, Black Or White, Asian

The documented incidences of voter fraud are very rare, yet throughout the country, forces have mobilized in over 30 states to stop it. These efforts are very partisan.

- John Lewis

Country, Over, Very, Partisan

I couldn't say no to A. Philip Randolph and no to Martin Luther King, Jr. These two men, I loved them, I admired them, and they were my heroes.

- John Lewis

King, Admired, Martin Luther, Philip

I think Dr. King would be pleased to see the number of elected officials of color - African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and progressive whites.

- John Lewis

Color, Think, I Think, Latinos

I remember back in the 1960s - late '50s, really - reading a comic book called 'Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Story.' Fourteen pages. It sold for 10 cents. And this little book inspired me to attend non-violence workshops, to study about Gandhi, about Thoreau, to study Martin Luther King, Jr., to study civil disobedience.

- John Lewis

I Remember, Non-Violence, Luther

We are tired of being beaten by policemen. We are tired of seeing our people locked up in jails over and over again. And then you holler, 'Be patient.' How long can we be patient?

- John Lewis

Over, Again, Beaten, Our People

Early on, I wrote a letter to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. I was 17. I felt called, moved.

- John Lewis

King, Martin Luther, Wrote, Luther

Reading the Martin Luther King story, that little comic book, set me on the path that I'm on today.

- John Lewis

King, Set, Martin Luther, Luther

When I was 15 years old in 1955, I heard of Rosa Parks. I heard the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. on our radio.

- John Lewis

King, Old, Martin Luther, Luther

The assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. made me very, very sad, and I mourned and I cried like many of our citizens did.

- John Lewis

King, Very, Martin Luther, Luther

When I was growing up in rural Alabama, it was impossible for me to register to vote. I didn't become a registered voter until I moved to Tennessee, to Nashville, as a student.

- John Lewis

Student, Alabama, Nashville, Tennessee

Sometimes I hear people saying, 'Nothing has changed.' Come and walk in my shoes.

- John Lewis

Sometimes, Nothing, Come, Hear People

Comics, in a sense, the style, the images - it's almost like music. They say music is a universal language, but when the eyes behold something, a figure, somebody moving; it's real, and it cannot be denied.

- John Lewis

Images, Figure, Almost, Behold

I do not agree with what Mr. Snowden did. He has damaged American international relations and compromised our national security. He leaked classified information and may have jeopardized human lives. That must be condemned.

- John Lewis

American, Leaked, Our, National Security

In Selma, Alabama, in 1965, only 2.1 percent of blacks of voting age were registered to vote. The only place you could attempt to register was to go down to the courthouse. You had to pass a so-called literacy test. And they would tell people over and over again that they didn't or couldn't pass the literacy test.

- John Lewis

Voting, Tell, Had, Registered

Selma helped make it possible for hundreds and thousands of people in the South to become registered voters and encouraged people all across America to become participants in a democratic process.

- John Lewis

Process, Voters, South, Registered

The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have.

- John Lewis

Most Powerful, Most, Vote

The vote is precious. It's almost sacred, so go out and vote like you never voted before.

- John Lewis

Precious, Like, Almost, Vote

I have met every president since President Kennedy. And I think Barack Obama must be listed as one of the best. This young man has been so inspiring - not just to people in America but to people all around the world.

- John Lewis

Young, Been, I Think, President Kennedy

There's nothing wrong with a little agitation for what's right or what's fair.

- John Lewis

Fair, Nothing, Right, Agitation

Following the teaching of Gandhi and Thoreau, Dr. King, it set me on a path. And I never looked back.

- John Lewis

King, Set, Looked, Gandhi

I never praised Mr. Snowden or said his actions rise to those of Mohandas Gandhi or other civil rights leaders.

- John Lewis

Other, Praised, Mr, Gandhi

I believe race is too heavy a burden to carry into the 21st century. It's time to lay it down. We all came here in different ships, but now we're all in the same boat.

- John Lewis

Believe, Down, Here, Ships

My mother and father and many of my relatives had been sharecroppers.

- John Lewis

Mother, Mother And Father, Relatives

Black men and women were not allowed to register to vote. My own mother, my own father, my grandfather and my uncles and aunts could not register to vote because each time they attempted to register to vote, they were told they could not pass the literacy test.

- John Lewis

Father, Own, Allowed, Aunts

Sometimes you have to not just dream about what could be - you get out and push and you pull and you preach. And you create a climate and environment to get those in high places, to get men and women of good will in power to act.

- John Lewis

Good, Sometimes, About, High Places

1963, because of the sense of moral authority that the civil rights movement had, we were able to get people to respond, because of the quality of our demand and our sense of moral authority.

- John Lewis

People, Sense, Had, Moral Authority

There is a need for a movement of non-violent direct action.

- John Lewis

Action, Need, Direct, Non-Violent

Too many people struggled, suffered, and died to make it possible for every American to exercise their right to vote.

- John Lewis

Exercise, Struggled, Too Many People

Now we have black and white elected officials working together. Today, we have gone beyond just passing laws. Now we have to create a sense that we are one community, one family. Really, we are the American family.

- John Lewis

American, White, Beyond, Passing

I think my whole life has been one of sort of daring, and sort of sailing against the wind instead of just going with the wind.

- John Lewis

Think, Been, I Think, Wind

We all live in the same house, we all must be part of the effort to hold down our little house. When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just... do something about it. Say something. Have the courage. Have the backbone. Get in the way. Walk with the wind. It's all going to work out.

- John Lewis

Effort, Part, About, Wind

We had teachers, we had high school principals, we had people teaching in colleges and university in Tuskegee, Alabama. But they were told they failed the so-called literacy test.

- John Lewis

Test, Alabama, University, Principals

Many young people, many children, are being abused, being put down, being bullied because of their sexual orientation.

- John Lewis

Young, Orientation, Being, Bullied

Obama is not an African American president, but a president of all Americans. It doesn't matter if you are black, white, Hispanic, he's the president of all races.

- John Lewis

Black, All Americans, Obama, Hispanic

We are one people; we are only family. And when we finally accept these truths, then we will be able to fulfill Dr. King's dream to build a beloved community, a nation, and a world at peace with itself.

- John Lewis

King, Will, Fulfill, Beloved

I am very, very hopeful about the American South - I believe that we will lead America to what Dr. King called 'the beloved community.'

- John Lewis

Will, Very, South, Beloved

Without the Sisters of St. Joseph, I might not be standing here.

- John Lewis

Here, Standing, Might, Joseph

We must bring the issue of mental illness out into the sunlight, out of the shadow, out of the closet, deal with it, treat people, have centers where people can get the necessary help.

- John Lewis

Treat, Deal, Issue, Centers

If you ask me whether the election of Barack Obama is the fulfillment of Dr. King's dream, I say, 'No, it's just a down payment.'

- John Lewis

King, Election, Obama, Payment

I don't understand it, how President Johnson can send troops to Vietnam and cannot send troops to Selma, Alabama, to protect people whose only desire is to register to vote.

- John Lewis

Desire, Understand, Alabama, Send

In 1965, the attempted march from Selma to Montgomery on March 7 was planned to dramatize to the state of Alabama and to the nation that people of color wanted to register to vote.

- John Lewis

Color, Nation, Alabama, Attempted

Customs, traditions, laws should be flexible, within good reason, if that is what it takes to make our democracy work.

- John Lewis

Reason, Laws, Within, Traditions

I travel all the time, but when I come back to the South, I see such progress. In a real sense, a great deal of the South has been redeemed. People feel freer, more complete, more whole, because of what happened in the movement.

- John Lewis

Deal, Been, South, Freer

Dr. King was one of the most inspiring human beings I ever met. He was such a warm, compassionate, and loving human being.

- John Lewis

King, Human Being, Being, Compassionate

The party of Kennedy is also the party of Eastland. The party of Javits is also the party of Goldwater.

- John Lewis

Kennedy, Also, Party

There are still forces in America that want to divide us along racial lines, religious lines, sex, class. But we've come too far; we've made too much progress to stop or to pull back. We must go forward. And I believe we will get there.

- John Lewis

Believe, Back, Religious, I Believe

A few days after Bloody Sunday, there was demonstration in more than 80 American cities. People were demanding that the government act.

- John Lewis

American, More, Cities, Bloody

If it hadn't been for that march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, there would be no Barack Obama as President of the United States of America.

- John Lewis

United, Been, United States, Bloody

You have to be optimistic in order to continue to move forward.

- John Lewis

Continue, Move, Optimistic, Order

My parents told me in the very beginning as a young child when I raised the question about segregation and racial discrimination, they told me not to get in the way, not to get in trouble, not to make any noise.

- John Lewis

Beginning, Question, Very, Discrimination

The civil rights movement was based on faith. Many of us who were participants in this movement saw our involvement as an extension of our faith. We saw ourselves doing the work of the Almighty. Segregation and racial discrimination were not in keeping with our faith, so we had to do something.

- John Lewis

Doing, Extension, Almighty, Discrimination

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 Lewis

Waiting, Like, Saw, Discrimination

We need someone who is going to stand up, speak up, and speak out for the people who need help, for the people who have been discriminated against.

- John Lewis

Need, Going, Been, Discriminated

MLK, Jr. taught me how to say no to segregation, and I can hear him saying now... when you straighten up your back, no man can ride you. He said stand up straight and say no to racial discrimination.

- John Lewis

Him, Back, Your, Discrimination

There may be some difficulties, some interruptions, but as a nation and as a people, we are going to build a truly multiracial, democratic society that maybe can emerge as a model for the rest of the world.

- John Lewis

Rest, Some, May, Democratic Society

What I try to tell young people is that if you come together with a mission, and its grounded with love and a sense of community, you can make the impossible possible.

- John Lewis

Love, Young, Tell, Together

It's not just Barack Obama, but I doubt Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton would have made it to the White House without Selma.

- John Lewis

Made, Bill Clinton, Obama, White House

I don't think Trump really believes in all this stuff. But he thinks this would be his ticket to the White House - at least to get the Republican nomination.

- John Lewis

Think, Trump, Ticket, White House

To make it hard, to make it difficult almost impossible for people to cast a vote is not in keeping with the democratic process.

- John Lewis

Process, Cast, Almost, Vote

The vote controls everything that you do.

- John Lewis

You, Controls, Everything, Vote

We should be creative, and we should accommodate the needs of every community to open up the democratic process. We should make it easy and accessible for every citizen to participate.

- John Lewis

Citizen, Needs, Accessible, Accommodate

What 'March' is saying is that it doesn't matter whether we are black or white, Latino or Asian. It doesn't matter whether we are straight or gay.

- John Lewis

Black, Asian, Black Or White, Gay

I think President Barack Obama has been a good president.

- John Lewis

Think, Been, Barack, None

We need comprehensive immigration reform. Dr. King wouldn't be pleased at all to know that there are millions of people living in the shadow, living in fear in places like Georgia and Alabama.

- John Lewis

Living, Immigration Reform, Georgia

You have to be persistent.

- John Lewis

You, Persistent

The press is supposed to serve as a check on government.

- John Lewis

Government, Serve, Supposed, Press

You must be bold, brave, and courageous and find a way... to get in the way.

- John Lewis

Find, Courageous, Get, Brave

I believe in forgiveness; I believe in trying to work with people.

- John Lewis

Work, Forgiveness, Trying, I Believe In

The government, both state and federal, has a duty to be reasonable and accommodating.

- John Lewis

Government, Duty, Reasonable, Federal

Without prayer, without faith in the Almighty, the civil rights movement would have been like a bird without wings.

- John Lewis

Like, Been, Almighty, Rights Movement

We come to Selma to be renewed. We come to be inspired. We come to be reminded that we must do the work that justice and equality calls us to do.

- John Lewis

Work, Renewed, Calls, Reminded

We need some creative tension; people crying out for the things they want.

- John Lewis

Need, Some, Tension, Crying

Sometimes I feel like crying, tears of happiness, tears of joy, to see the distance we've come and the progress we've made.

- John Lewis

Tears, Distance, Like, Crying

When I was a student, I studied philosophy and religion. I talked about being patient. Some people say I was too hopeful, too optimistic, but you have to be optimistic just in keeping with the philosophy of non-violence.

- John Lewis

Student, Some, Non-Violence, Philosophy

I studied the philosophy and the discipline of non-violence in Nashville as a student. And I staged a sitting-in in the fall of 1959 and got arrested the first time in February 1960.

- John Lewis

Non-Violence, Arrested, Philosophy

I would say the country is a different country. It is a better country. The signs I saw when I was growing up are gone and they will not return. In many ways the walls of segregation have been torn down.

- John Lewis

Country, Been, Torn, Return

Before we went on any protest, whether it was sit-ins or the freedom rides or any march, we prepared ourselves, and we were disciplined. We were committed to the way of peace - the way of non-violence - the way of love - the way of life as the way of living.

- John Lewis

Love, Committed, Disciplined, March

Never give up. Never give in. Never become hostile... Hate is too big a burden to bear.

- John Lewis

Never, Big, Give, Bear

We are one people with one family. We all live in the same house... and through books, through information, we must find a way to say to people that we must lay down the burden of hate. For hate is too heavy a burden to bear.

- John Lewis

Say, Through, Lay, Bear

Listening to Dr. King on the radio inspired me. Coming under the influence of Jim Lawson inspired me to think that I, too, could do something.

- John Lewis

Listening, King, Think, Jim

I really believe that all of us, as Americans... we all need to be treated like fellow human beings.

- John Lewis

Need, Like, Treated, Beings

You have to tell the whole truth, the good and the bad, maybe some things that are uncomfortable for some people.

- John Lewis

Bad, Some, Maybe, Some People

People come up to me in airports, they walk into the office, and they say, 'I'm going to cry; I'm going to pass out.' And I say, 'Please don't pass out; I'm not a doctor.'

- John Lewis

Going, Come, Pass, They Say

I always felt growing up that in the South there was evil but also good - so much good.

- John Lewis

Growing Up, Growing, Always, Evil

When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.

- John Lewis

Speak, Say, See, Not Fair

I wanted young people to know that I was just a typical child.

- John Lewis

Young, Young People, Wanted, Typical

Some of us gave a little blood for the right to participate in the democratic process.

- John Lewis

Process, Some, Participate, Gave

If you're not hopeful and optimistic, then you just give up. You have to take the long hard look and just believe that if you're consistent, you will succeed.

- John Lewis

Give, Will, Hopeful, Hard Look

It was not enough to come and listen to a great sermon or message every Sunday morning and be confined to those four walls and those four corners. You had to get out and do something.

- John Lewis

Sunday Morning, Confined, Every Sunday

I grew up in rural Alabama, 50 miles from Montgomery, in a very loving, wonderful family: wonderful mother, wonderful father. We attended church; we went to Sunday school every Sunday.

- John Lewis

Alabama, Very, Attended, Every Sunday

It's a shame and a disgrace that so few people take part in the political process.

- John Lewis

Process, Shame, Take, Disgrace

Without our faith, we wouldn't have been able to succeed. On many occasions, before we'd go out on a sit-in, before we went on the freedom ride, before we marched from Selma to Montgomery, we would sing a song or say a prayer. Without our faith, without the spirit and spiritual bearings and underpinning, we would not have been so successful.

- John Lewis

Faith, Been, Before, Occasions

Not one of us can rest, be happy, be at home, be at peace with ourselves, until we end hatred and division.

- John Lewis

Happy, Rest, Hatred, Division

Rosa Parks inspired me to find a way to get in the way, to get in trouble... good trouble, necessary trouble.

- John Lewis

Find, Necessary, Parks, Trouble

I want to see young people in America feel the spirit of the 1960s and find a way to get in the way. To find a way to get in trouble. Good trouble, necessary trouble.

- John Lewis

Young, Want, Necessary, Trouble

Who gets the bird, the hunter or the dog?

- John Lewis

Dog, Bird, Hunter, Gets

Selma was the turning point.

- John Lewis

Turning Point, Point, Turning

I grew up very poor in rural Alabama.

- John Lewis

Poor, Rural, Very, Alabama

The action of Rosa Parks, the words and leadership of Dr. King inspired me. I was deeply inspired. I wanted to do something.

- John Lewis

Words, King, Inspired, None

Never become bitter, and in the process, be happy and just go for it.

- John Lewis

Process, Never, Go For It, Bitter

When you make mistakes, when you're wrong, you should admit you're wrong and ask people to forgive you.

- John Lewis

Forgive, Admit, Should, Ask

I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end.'

- John Lewis

Go For It, Prepared, May, Individuals

We must continue to go forward as one people, as brothers and sisters.

- John Lewis

Forward, Go, Brothers, Continue

We're one people, and we all live in the same house. Not the American house, but the world house.

- John Lewis

World, American, Same, House

You have to go with your gut sometimes, and how you feel.

- John Lewis

Sometimes, Go, How, Gut

Too many of us still believe our differences define us.

- John Lewis

Differences, Still, Too, Define

Be hopeful. Be optimistic. Never lose that sense of hope.

- John Lewis

Lose, Never, Optimistic, Sense

I'm very hopeful. I am very optimistic about the future.

- John Lewis

Future, I Am, Very, Optimistic

If someone had told me in 1963 that one day I would be in Congress, I would have said, 'You're crazy. You don't know what you're talking about.'

- John Lewis

One Day, About, Had, Congress

I believe that you see something that you want to get done, you cannot give up, and you cannot give in.

- John Lewis

Believe, Want, Give, I Believe That

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