Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
TMJ4 News
The NAACP honors the life of civil rights activist John Lewis
By Gideon Verdin,
4 days ago
The NAACP of Milwaukee held a day of action and commemoration for John Lewis to honor his perseverance and courage in the fight for equality and justice.
"There is an expression that says, if we forget the past, we will repeat it," says Elizabeth Harris-Hodge of the League of Women Voters.
TMJ4 News Elizabeth Harris-Hodge of the League of Women Voters.
John Lewis was a politician and civil rights activist who served in the US Congress from 1987 until his death in 2020.
"John Lewis is a hero to me and all the young brothers that came up in my era. He put his life on the line going across that bridge," says Jeffrey Harris of the Lucy Mae Children Stop The Gun Violence organization.
TMJ4 News Jeffrey Harris of the Lucy Mae Children Stop The Gun Violence organization.
Lewis played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement.
As a founding member and chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, he participated in the Freedom Rides of 1961 and led the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in 1965, a day known as "Bloody Sunday," where he and other marchers were brutally attacked by state troopers.
VIDEO: The NAACP honors the life of civil rights activist John Lewis
Remembering civil rights activist John Lewis
"There is such a thing as good trouble. When you see something wrong, point it out," says Elizabeth Harris-Hodge.
Lewis also boldly spoke at the 1963 March on Washington D.C. Local activist Janette Mitchell-Herrera says she had the privilege to march alongside Lewis.
TMJ4 News Janette Mitchell-Herrera, local activist.
"He gave his life just like we do. You have to be willing to give your life to make a difference," says Janette Mitchell-Herrera.
When reflecting on his legacy, locals tell me Lewis will always be iconic.
"I hope it inspires all of us to get involved," says Janette Mitchell-Herrera.
"We have to let our youth know, even though life might seem really good today, what did it take to get here?" says Elizabeth Harris-Hodge.
TMJ4 News
"If anyone challenges our right to vote, we are prepared to get into good trouble," says Rickey Townsell, the chairman of Milwaukee NAACP.
The NAACP also passed out food to residents and registered voters at today's event.
"If we don't have events like this, history will be erased," says Jeffrey Harris.
Talk to us: Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we're all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips. Name Email Story you're commenting on Message Verification:
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0