April 12, 2004

YJCW - NAACP

News Release                                                                          Contact: Arthur Mallory

For Immediate Release                                                                          229-3113

 
Brian Bowman, Congressman John Lewis, Bianca Phillips

NAACP Meets with Congressman John Lewis

Congressman John Lewis, representing Georgia’s 5^th District, was in town to receive the 2004 Hunter B. Andrews Fellow in American Politics Award at the College of William and Mary recently. Mr. Lewis is certainly an “Icon” of the Civil Rights Movement. Since the early sixties he has been active in social movements and civil rights struggles for more than forty years. As a student, John Lewis organized sit-in demonstrations at segregated lunch counters in Nashville, Tennessee and participated in the ‘Freedom Rides” in the south. It was most fitting for the college administration to provide the opportunity for NAACP volunteers to spend time with a gentleman who has such an inspiring legacy that focused on very similar issues as the local branch focuses on in current times.

Nine of the members met with John Lewis on April 7, 2004 for almost one and one-half hours in the Blue Room of the Wren Building.  Listening to him share his historical experiences regarding issues about education, freedom, political participation and his visions for the future was inspirational and motivating to all in the room. He emphasized the need to work together as diverse people to improve society and to realize the “beloved community”. He strongly advocates political participation by voting, holding elected positions and becoming informed voters. He also encouraged partnerships to work toward common goals and to resolve common issues in the community. All of these suggestions are very much in line with and support the work of the local branch as it works for a better community.

Two youth NAACP Council members, Bianca Phillips (First Vice President) and Brian Bowman (Second Vice President) participated and had the opportunity to interact with this legend of a man. Brian asked him what helped him decide to follow the path that he took, and the response was moving. He told us about his escapades of preaching to the chickens on his father’s farm as a youngster as his other siblings stood with him. This helped him develop oratory skills and helped to build confidence. He said that the chickens taught him a lot about patience, tolerance and other attributes. He also said that the chickens would often bow their heads and shake them from side-to-side when he spoke; but he was just never able to get them to say Amen. Both of the council members enjoyed the discussion and appreciated the opportunity to meet with one of the true legends of the civil rights movement; a rare opportunity.

Others members who participated are Vivian Bland, Jim White, David Benedict, Clive Fenton, Oliver Tabb, Clarence Wilson and Arthur Mallory.

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