Rep. John Lewis, A National Treasure #Selma50
Rep. John Lewis is living, breathing history. I’m so thankful he’s still with us to witness this day, to remember, and to see the very real difference made by him and all the others who have struggled to improve things for everyone. The only way our debt to them can ever be repaid is to be vigilant, tireless, and unafraid to confront bigotry & injustice wherever we encounter it.
How much things have changed since he and hundreds of others bravely marched across that bridge in Selma, knowing full well that they could be killed for it—by the police whose job is supposed to be to protect citizens. And they did it when there were no smart phones or Twitter or YouTube to share info and record abuse.
While things have changed a great deal, there’s still much work to be done. Events in Ferguson and other places clearly attest to that, and there are people working this very minute to roll back advances that have been made. That can’t be allowed to continue. It’s absolutely intolerable that any American—regardless of race, creed, gender, or sexual preference—should be denied equal protection under the law or have to live in constant fear of those who have been entrusted with the task of protecting & serving all citizens. #MarchOn!
Below is a series of Tweets by Rep. Lewis recalling the events of 50 years ago:
#Selma50Visit the White House’s Selma to Montgomery: 50 Years Later page to listen to more stories from those who were there.
Below is the C-SPAN video of Rep. Lewis’ and President Obama’s speeches at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. The transcript of President Obama’s remarks is also available now at whitehouse.gov.