The following story is a personal account from Bishop John Reid, a civil rights advocate and professor of African American History. As a young man he had the opportunity to meet with the late Congressman Lewis and Reverend Vivian, who both passed away yesterday. 

This morning I was awakened by the news that Congressman John Lewis had passed away. I didn’t know how it would affect me since hearing earlier that year that he was battling pancreatic cancer. To lose both he and Rev. C.T. Vivian within a 24-hour period is especially traumatic and painful.

I don’t think that this generation can truly appreciate the sacrifices of these men who walked with Martin Luther King, Jr. Many have difficulty grasping the impact of their actions even considering the numerous beatings and times these individuals were arrested. As I look out upon this generation and see the Black Lives Matter banners fly I often ponder that this would not have been possible without these individuals fighting with their last breath for our country, civil rights and the injustices thereof.

I saw them first in the 1960s as they accompanied Dr. Martin Luther King in the city of Macon, GA. They were much younger then and had hair. Lewis was fresh from his wounds from his plight with the Freedom Riders. Vivian was more seasoned since he started his fight much earlier in the mid-west. They were true soldiers on the front line with many scars and experiences from their arduous journey for civil rights.

I think what gets lost as we recall these warriors is the candor and manner in which these young black men carried themselves. They were eloquent in their speech and respectful in every aspect of their communication whether they were in the pulpit or on the street corner. Their mantra of non-violence covered in prayer and grace helped seal the victory and obtain acceptance for the dilemma of the American Negro during these troubled times.

One of my most memorable experiences was sharing the seat row with Congressman Lewis on a Delta flight from Washington to Atlanta. We both were seated in coach and the flight attendant greeted the congressman politely as were we given our refreshments. During our conversation I was surprised that he didn’t reflect on his accomplishments but thanked me for participating in the desegregation of schools in Georgia in 1965. It was shocking to me for a congressman and civic right Icon to look into my eyes and thank me. His sacrifice made it more palatable to protest and even be arrested during a protest in 1970. He was such a graceful and selfless individual. These leaders were both highly educated and manner able at the same time. With their display of etiquette, their words could hardly be dismissed.

I feel a unique irony when comparing the dilemma of our present generation to what we faced over a generation ago.  Please understand that these were different times and seasons in this movement. In the 1950s and 60s our county had turned its head to the atrocities and brutality of the south and only realized and faced these injustices when they were presented on television.  Laws and legislature do not change hearts and what we are witnessing today in our culture we need a move of God upon the hearts of men to love and treat one another with respect.

As a people it is past time for our fellow brothers and sisters with much lighter skin to step up and walk beside us along this road to equality, freedom, and justice for all.