xvi, 552 pages, 12 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations; 25 cm.
Summary
The first full-length biography of civil rights hero and congressman John Lewis.
"For six decades John Robert Lewis (1940-2020) was a towering figure in the U.S. struggle for civil rights. As an activist and progressive congressman, he was renowned for his unshakable integrity, indomitable courage, and determination to get into "good trouble." In this first book-length biography of Lewis, Raymond Arsenault traces Lewis's upbringing in rural Alabama, his activism as a Freedom Rider and leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, his championing of voting rights and anti-poverty initiatives, and his decades of service as the "conscience of Congress." Arsenault recounts Lewis's lifetime of work toward one overarching goal: realizing the "beloved community," an ideal society based in equity and inclusion. Lewis never wavered in this pursuit, and even in death his influence endures, inspiring mobilization and resistance in the fight for social justice."--
Introduction: In search of the beloved community -- "The boy from Troy" -- Nashville -- In the movement -- Riding to freedom -- Mississippi bound -- SNCC on the march -- "Bombingham" and freedom summer -- Atlantic City and Africa -- Selma and bloody Sunday -- Leaving SNCC -- Transition and tragedy -- Voting rights and the new south -- Sweet home Atlanta -- Mr. Lewis goes to Washington -- Keeping the dream alive -- Politics and remembrance -- The conscience of Congress -- Good trouble -- Perilous times -- Epilogue.
Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Author
Arsenault, Raymond, author.
Title
John Lewis : in search of the beloved community / Raymond Arsenault.