The Civil Rights Movement In John Lewis The March Trilogy

In the 1960’s the civil rights movement reached its highest potential. The civil rights movement demanded equality for those of color. It was a series of protests and movements. It was a tough time for those who were of color. In the March Trilogy written by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and illustrated by Nate Powell, it uncovers an abundance of history during the civil rights movement era. The March Trilogy is about John Lewis’ life between 1940’s when he was a kid through 2009, Barrack Obama’s inauguration. The book covers racism, brutality, protests, and unequal rights towards people of color. The March Trilogy credits many important people and events in Lewis’ life. While John Lewis encountered many important people in his life, the most

Lewis states, “An uncle gave me a bible for Christmas when I was four…” (Lewis & Aydin 1:26). Lewis doesn’t mention what uncle gave him the bible but in hindsight, it reflects on Uncle Otis. The bible gift inspires Lewis to want to preach even if it was to his chickens on the farm. Lewis acknowledges, “Uncle Otis had always taken a special interest in me… not just with my school work, but with the way I generally acted.” (Lewis & Aydin 1:37). In other words, Uncle Otis took the time to go the extra mile to make sure Lewis was always in good moral. Uncle Otis seemed to be there for Lewis in a way that his family couldn’t be. Lewis didn’t think much of him until he made a trip to Buffalo, NY with him. John Lewis later emphasizes, “But other members of my family helped open my eyes…Otis Carter… arranged the journey. He planned it completely for my sake.” (Lewis & Aydin 1:36). Uncle Otis took massive interest in assuring that Lewis was aware of his surroundings. I felt like Uncle Otis saw a lot of potential in Lewis to take that much interest in him. Uncle Otis assured himself that Lewis knew another world other than the farm he grew up on. When they got to Buffalo Lewis mentions, “They have white people living next door to them. On both sides.” (Lewis & Aydin 1:43). Lewis was astonished to see the vast difference, to

Yet the single most important people in John Lewis’ life were his Uncle Otis, Martin Luther King Jr, and Jim Lawson. I’m not sure I would have had the same strength to apply the same teachings if I were in his shoes. It was incredibly brave the way he handled his teachings and applied them towards the civil rights movement for a greater good. He didn’t allow his soul to be darkened by those who hurt him. He instead did the opposite with the help of a few people. His Uncle Otis who instilled his good morality and opened his eyes to what an integrated world looked like. Uncle Otis allowed Lewis to dream of a better tomorrow. While Dr. King inspired Lewis to act for his beliefs and do more as a preacher or as a person. Lastly, Jim Lawson taught him the way of non-violence and how to apply it to win the evils, the evil of racism. Lawson imprinted his beliefs in Lewis that led him to be a boundless advocate for nonviolence protesting. I hope we can all learn from history and avoid making the same mistakes that may apply to our modern-day society. To honor what John Lewis fought for and to create an equal society. Honor all those who helped him establish his character to be an important figure in the civil rights