John Lewis Quotes
Before we went on any protest, whether it was sit-ins or the freedom rides or any march, we prepared ourselves, and we were disciplined. We were committed to the way of peace - the way of non-violence - the way of love - the way of life as the way of living.
Lewis, John. Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change. Hachette Books, 2012.
At the time the Democratic Politicians of the South went to extremes from refusing to register Black voters to countenancing assault, torture and even murder of Blacks who organized voter registration. When the racists switched to the Republican party, is was Republican politicians who tried to make voter registration and voting more difficult for minorities, but the means and degree of these efforts were very mild compared to what is was when Rustin uttered this quotation.
Schuyler was an ardent atheist and a major opponent of organized religion which he regarded as one or the major initiators and drivers of slavery, segregation and discrimination—see related quote. This is why he was critical of Martin Luther King. His irreligiosity prevented his gaining much support from his fellow African Americans even though a great writer like H. L. Menken considered Schuyler, "the best writer in America.”
He had been kidnapped by the coup plotters and transported to Costa Rica. When they took over, he was not allowed back in the country despite objections to the coup by the United States and most other countries of the region. He managed to sneak back into Honduras and led a non-violent protest movement. He was finally restored to the presidency.
John Robert Lewis was an American politician, statesman, and civil rights activist and leader who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia's 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020. He was the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) from 1963 to 1966.
