Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Representative John Lewis
A letter to the community, written by Gaylon Tootle, Independent Living Advocate.
Looking for “Good Trouble!”
We celebrate and honor the life & legacy of the late Rep. John Lewis as his remains lie in state at the Georgia State Capitol and he makes the final journey to his resting place. As we memorialize this great American, let us reflect on the transparency of his character. The tenaciousness that he showed for the things in which he believed. The willingness to sacrifice understanding that, a movement requires sacrifice. The ability to see the good in people as he was able to publicly and smilingly accept the apology of the Alabama state trooper who cracked his skull on Bloody Sunday at the Edmund Pettis bridge in Selma Alabama. His unwavering commitment to affect positive change despite all odds; one of the core tenets in the brotherhood of Phi Beta Sigma in which we both share, “Culture for Service and Service to Humanity.” All core traits of a true Advocate. Looking to get into “Good Trouble!”
As advocates, let us be constantly reminded that as Congressman John Lewis went forward and fought for that in what he believed, so will we! As he reminded us in 2008 in Washington D.C. at our National Federation of the Blind annual Washington Seminar, “When you see something, and you know that it is not right, say something!” Equal access to public services, programs, the voting process, public education as well as quality healthcare are all areas where it is call to get into “Good Trouble!”
It’s an election year Advocates. This is a time when we all must let our voices be heard! We will honor Congressman Lewis’s legacy by not only looking for, but also “getting into good trouble!” “Our Cause Speeds on its Way!” WHEN YOU SEE SOMETHING, AND YOU KNOW THAT IT IS NOT RIGHT, SAY SOMETHING!”