John Lewis, American politician and non-violent civil rights activist for six decades, died on 17th July 2020.
In his posthumous OpEd in the NY Times, Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation, he left us with these words.
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.
When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.
Photograph of John Lewis by David Deal/Redux
