John Lewis was a key player in the Civil Rights Movement. He was a leader in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and later became a Congressman. Let’s take a look at some of his important contributions:
Supporting Nonviolent Protest: Lewis strongly believed in peaceful protests. He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's ideas and thought that using nonviolence was vital for making social changes. This belief became a major part of the Civil Rights Movement.
Leadership in Major Events: Lewis helped lead the March on Washington in 1963. This was a huge event where about 250,000 people gathered to fight for civil rights. He was also a key organizer of the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which focused on the fight for voting rights. During an event known as “Bloody Sunday” on March 7, 1965, Lewis and other activists faced violent attacks from police. This shocking event made many people angry, which helped lead to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Important Legislative Successes: His hard work played a big part in creating important laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. After these laws were passed, the number of registered Black voters in the South grew from about 30% in 1965 to over 60% by 1968.
Ongoing Commitment: Lewis never stopped fighting for civil rights throughout his life. He served in Congress from 1987 until he passed away in 2020, always standing up for justice, equality, and voting rights. His legacy continues to inspire many civil rights movements today, reminding us of his powerful fight for justice.
John Lewis was a key player in the Civil Rights Movement. He was a leader in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and later became a Congressman. Let’s take a look at some of his important contributions:
Supporting Nonviolent Protest: Lewis strongly believed in peaceful protests. He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's ideas and thought that using nonviolence was vital for making social changes. This belief became a major part of the Civil Rights Movement.
Leadership in Major Events: Lewis helped lead the March on Washington in 1963. This was a huge event where about 250,000 people gathered to fight for civil rights. He was also a key organizer of the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which focused on the fight for voting rights. During an event known as “Bloody Sunday” on March 7, 1965, Lewis and other activists faced violent attacks from police. This shocking event made many people angry, which helped lead to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Important Legislative Successes: His hard work played a big part in creating important laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. After these laws were passed, the number of registered Black voters in the South grew from about 30% in 1965 to over 60% by 1968.
Ongoing Commitment: Lewis never stopped fighting for civil rights throughout his life. He served in Congress from 1987 until he passed away in 2020, always standing up for justice, equality, and voting rights. His legacy continues to inspire many civil rights movements today, reminding us of his powerful fight for justice.