Compiled by Simone Monique Barnes and Ari Monts
On Sunday, July 19, at 11:15 am, St. James’ will host a Sunday Story Time for kids and parents. Contact familyministry@stjamesaustin.org for the Zoom link. Ari Monts will read Preaching to the Chickens, the story of the young John Lewis.
Biographical excerpt from Congressman John Lewis’ website
“Often called “one of the most courageous persons the Civil Rights Movement ever produced,” John Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties, and building what he calls “The Beloved Community” in America. His dedication to the highest ethical standards and moral principles has won him the admiration of many of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the United States Congress.
He has been called “the conscience of the U.S. Congress,” and Roll Call magazine has said, “John Lewis…is a genuine American hero and moral leader who commands widespread respect in the chamber.”
He was born the son of sharecroppers on February 21, 1940, outside of Troy, Alabama. He grew up on his family’s farm and attended segregated public schools in Pike County, Alabama. As a young boy, he was inspired by the activism surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., which he heard on radio broadcasts. In those pivotal moments, he made a decision to become a part of the Civil Rights Movement. Ever since then, he has remained at the vanguard of progressive social movements and the human rights struggle in the United States.” Read the full text here
Get to know John Lewis. Watch a brief 2 minute, video biography about John Lewis and check out the resources below:
Family
- Film Soundtrack for a Revolution, a historical documentary and contemporary musical performance, which features music performances and interviews by and about civil rights icons, including John Lewis, the Rev C.T. Vivian, and many more.
- Article “John Lewis, civil rights hero and ‘conscience of Congress,’ dies at 80.”
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Film John Lewis: Good Trouble 1 hour and 36 minutes
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Film John Lewis: Get in the Way (PBS) 53 minutes
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Video: TV Episode Remembering John Lewis | Oprah’s Master Class | OWN 43 minutes
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Video Congressman John Lewis Dancing to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”: “Nothing Can Bring Me Down” 1-2 minute video
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Video Rep. John Lewis dances to ‘Happy’ 19 seconds
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Video Rep. John Lewis tells his chicken story on WGBH’s “America, They Loved You Madly” 1-2 minute video
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Video John Lewis: I was Inspired by Chickens; They Listened to Me 2 minute video
Children
- Picturebook Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis by Jabari Asim, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
- Video Black History Month Cartoons for Students | John Lewis: Civil Rights Leader | Fun Facts for Students (2-3 minute video tribute to the life of John Lewis with 5 Fun Facts from his Biography feature 5 fun facts)
- Film Selma, Lord, Selma: Girlhood Memories of the Civil-Rights Days
Youth
- March graphic novel trilogy by John Lewis
- Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America by John Lewis
- Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement by John Lewis, with Michael D’Orso
- Film Selma, 2014 historical drama film directed by Ava DuVernay and written by Paul Webb
- Video John Lewis: The Selma To Montgomery Marches | MLK | TIME, 6 minute video featuring an interview with John Lewis
- Website Congressman John Lewis, representing Georgia’s 5th District
