Category: March

Dear John Lewis

In pages 174-246 the fight for suffrage escalates greatly as the civil rights leader get even more recognition in the public from events like the march from Selma to Montgomery, increased violence against protestors, and the death of Malcolm X. Tensions rise even greater within the civil rights movement as there is division on how to they should continue, and there is Dr. Martin Luther King who seemingly betrayed the protestors. 

The ending of this book, for me, had a lot of mixed emotions. The death of Malcolm X was very effectively conveyed on just how much of an impact on everyone. The march across the bridge was very intense, and when you were hurt I was concerned. The speech that offended the nuns was very powerful and sent shivers down my spine.

I wish I saw more of the reaction of the protestors after DR. King turned around on the bridge. It seemed like a pretty massive betrayal, and that makes me surprised how well all the even afterward went.

I don’t know if there is a solution to be proposed at this point because it is the end and in the end, the civil rights movement completed its goal. It might be worth saying that there will always be more to do in the pursuit of equality.

Sincerely, Zachary Seeley

Dear John Lewis

In pages 100-173 you covered your journey into Africa and some more of your difficulties with trying to keep the SNCC together. The trip to Africa seemed to come as a response to strife within the SNCC, and during that trip, you met Malcolm X who you talked with about the struggle in America for the right to vote. While in Africa you also met many Africans who occupied positions that you found eye-opening the meeting with the pilots and police stuck out the most. After recharging in Africa you went back to America where you continued to line up and protest for your right to vote.

This portion of the book made me feel a good variety of emotions, but I think that hope ended up prevailing even with all of the horrible things like beatings and discrimination. The confession near the start was extremely powerful and made me hopeful that more people would sympathize with your struggle, and hopefully, that would lead to more action.

Reading through I was left with a few questions. Why did the president want people not to see her story? Was it because he was afraid of losing votes for not appearing like he was doing enough? That also brings me to the question, was he doing enough, and if he wasn’t why wouldn’t he do more.

The only solution I see to the issues presented in these pages is to continue to push the issue, continue to make people see what is happening, the abuse and hatred, wake people up to the reality of racism.

Sincerely, Zachary Seeley