Monday, October 22, 2007
A driving force of the civil rights movement met with students and told them not to be silent and if they saw something unfair in life. Civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.) received the Dole Leadership Prize to honor his civic engagement Sunday.
Congressman Lewis met a standing ovation in the Lied Center as he sat with Dole Institute director Jonathan Earle. Earle said Lewis was evidence that politics could be an honorable profession.
Lewis grew up in Troy, Ala., and witnessed racial discrimination daily. He said even as a young child he wanted to make a change.
“I tasted the bitter fruits of racism,” Lewis said. “And I asked why.”
After high school, Lewis said he applied to the all-white Troy State College. He said he never heard back from the college and decided to write Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. a letter telling him he needed his support. In March 1958, Lewis boarded the bus to Montgomery to meet King for the first time. Lewis said he still remembered the first words King spoke to him. He said King asked, “Are you the boy from Troy? Are you John Lewis?” Lewis said he answered, “Dr. King, I am John Robert Lewis.”
At age 18, Lewis organized sit-in demonstrations at lunch counters in Nashville, Tenn. Lewis said those situations strengthened his dedication to nonviolence. He said people would spit and put out lighted cigarettes on them. Lewis said despite the treatment he never wanted to turn back.“I accepted nonviolence as a way of life,” Lewis said.
Lewis also reflected on the march across Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965, that came to be known as “Bloody Sunday.” Lewis said he and 600 others were marching peacefully when they were met by state troopers. Lewis said the troopers said the march was an unlawful and began to attack the marchers. Lewis was hit in the head by a state trooper.
“I said to myself, ‘This is it,’ ” Lewis said. “ ‘I’m going to die here on this bridge.’”
The event led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Lewis soon became one of the youngest leaders of the civil rights movement and was one of ten speakers at the March on Washington where King gave his famous “I have a dream” speech. Lewis said he still lived by King’s quote “Hate is too heavy a burden to bear.”
Lewis told students he was inspired at a young age to “get in trouble, but a good trouble,” and he encouraged students to speak up for injustice.
Michael Gray, Buhler sophomore, said he remembered when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Lewis was the conscience of the Congress. Gray said he was excited to hear from such a historical leader.
“One gains a special appreciation for history when learned directly from the source,” Gray said.
Camille Clark, Black Student Union member and Kansas City, Kan., junior, met the Congressman and said he talked to her about how to make an impact on campus. Clark said meeting Lewis was something she won’t forget. She said it was hard to believe she stood next to someone who had done such significant work for the African American community.
“He’s right up there with Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks,” Clark said.
Derrais Carter, Black Student Union member and Kansas City, Kan., senior, said he was impressed with meeting Lewis. Carter said it meant a lot to him to hear the congressman speak.
“He’s a linkage to the past,” Carter said. “He’s a linkage to our heritage.”
Sen. Donald Betts (D-Wichita) said he admired Lewis for what he achieved despite the many trials he experienced.
“He has been a risk taker,” Betts said. “When he crossed that bridge in 1965 he was taking a chance. He continued to fight. I think that’s a testament to his life.”
— Edited by Luke Morris
Civil rights leader to receive honors
This year’s Dole Leadership Prize will be awarded to Congressman John Lewis ...
University celebrates King’s legacy
The Office of Multicultural Affairs held a banquet in honor of King.
Freshman meets original Freedom Riders on Oprah
Not many KU students can say they have been on Oprah. Not ...
March to commemorate Martin Luther King
At 7 pm, Kansas students and faculty will gather in front of ...
Former President Bush to speak at KU
Nation’s 41st leader will speak at the Lied Center and will accept ...
'Personal Finance' enrollment rises
Enrollment in the financial course is at its maximum limit.
Some students receive in-state tuition despite being ...
Luminary walk honors civil rights activist
Veterans’ transition not always smooth
Everything from receiving educational benefits to socializing with civilians can be a ...
KU student charged in delivery robbery testifies
Judge hears testimonials of defendants, victims and police in preliminary hearing in ...
Trapped in a game
Students who encounter video game addiction could face job loss, poor grades, ...
A look at KU's changing face of ...
University's turbulent past has evolved into a somewhat tranquil state of activism.
Personal Finance class keeps money in your ...
Students learn about how to budget, save for future.
Former player finds many successes despite rampant ...
Student Senate passes mascot resolution
Rep. Moore discusses national debt, is impressed ...
Dennis Moore spent his Friday visiting classrooms and speaking with student groups ...
Forum series offer student insight on war ...
The Dole Institute of Politics invites experts on the Irag war to ...
The Greek Divide
Kelsey Schepmann studies the history hanging on the walls of the Gamma ...
Activists rally at Burger King locations
The Coalition of Immokale Workers represent the Latino, Haitian and Mayan immigrants ...
Student Senate notebook
Rare civil rights activist film ‘Eyes on ...
Singer makes sacrifices for life and music
Ryan King can’t envision a life, even a day, without music
A Lesson In Leaping
I watched my brother hurl himself thirty feet into the muddy water ...
Langston Hughes Lecture to focus on civil ...
Randal Jelks, a visiting professor, will present the lecture on Tuesday.
Lewis to hold luau festivities
Yoder speaks to Student Senate
The University’s Student Senate met with Congressman Kevin Yoder, where they discussed ...
Kansas continues extending scholarship offers early
Four high school students reportedly have offers.
Kansas continues extending scholarships
Four high school students reportedly have offers.
Author discusses American values
In his presentation in the Lied Center Tuesday, John Kasich discussed a ...
Campus black student union provides solidarity and ...
The black student union provides a gateway to greater opportunities beyond KU
Good afternoon, class
Harry Schaffer, professor of economics, has been teaching at the University since ...
Famous photojournalist wins prestigious award
CLAS departments have own ceremonies
Editorial: Downtown businesses need student support
Local businesses deserve loyalty during the economic hard times.
Basketball great Maurice King dies
In 1954 King became the first black starter in Kansas basketball history. ...
Student Housing sponsors lecture on LGBT issues
John Corvino will visit Hashinger Hall theater to heighten students’ understanding of ...
Textbook rental could soon be an option
Professors and students look to start a rental program to make textbooks ...
Valentine’s Day unconventionally
Students define the celebration of Valentine’s day with parties, conventions and quality ...
Former KU tackle now a Super Bowl ...
Former Jayhawk Justin Hartwig played for the Steelers during Super Bowl game.
Students and faculty work to ensure bridge ...
The group works with engineers to develop new technologies that can prolong ...
Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
Lecture from Greg Mortenson, co-author of New York ...
0 comments
KUnited presidential candidate Libby Johnson and vice presidential ...
1 comment
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID