54 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category


    • Chapter 1: The Boy from Troy Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 1: The Boy from Troy details the early years of John Lewis, offering insight into his formative years in Pike County, Alabama. Born on February 21, 1940, John stood out in his family for his love of reading and his strong desire for knowledge, traits that set him apart from his siblings. His father, Eddie Lewis, often described him as a "peculiar boy," a label that reflected John's deep curiosity and dedication to learning. His family supported his interests, particularly his sister, Ethel Mae, and…
    • Chapter 2: Nashville Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 2: Nashville focuses on the early life and formative experiences of John Lewis as he moves to Nashville in 1957 to attend the American Baptist Theological Seminary. At just seventeen years old, Lewis embarks on a new chapter away from his family, carrying with him a trunk gifted by his uncle. The seminary, established in 1924 to provide education for African Americans pursuing ministry, has a rich history. Despite being founded in response to the exclusion of Black Baptists from white institutions,…
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      Dedication

      Dedication Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin This dedication is offered in loving memory of Robert Greenberg (1934–2024), a man whose deep and unwavering commitment to the principles of equality and justice left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Throughout his life, Robert steadfastly believed in the idea that every person, regardless of their race, socioeconomic background, or personal circumstances, was entitled to dignity, respect, and the opportunity to succeed. His dedication to fairness was not just a…
    • Chapter 3: The Sit-Ins Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 3: The Sit-Ins explores the significant turning point in the Civil Rights Movement that unfolded through the sit-in protests in Nashville, beginning in early 1960. Prior to John Lewis’s return to Nashville in January, local ministers had attempted to challenge segregation at lunch counters but were consistently met with fierce resistance from the owners of department stores. Their efforts, although persistent, lacked the broader support and momentum needed to achieve meaningful change. However,…
    • Chapter 5: The Freedom Rides Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 5 delves deeply into John Lewis’s transformative journey during the period of the Freedom Rides, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. As Lewis neared graduation from the American Baptist Theological Institute, his aspiration to become both a teacher and minister shaped his worldview. Initially, he believed that his faith could guide him in teaching others, but over time, his vision expanded to the belief that empowering African Americans to address racial injustice through political and…
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      Chapter 4: SNCC

      Chapter 4: SNCC Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 4: SNCC delves into the formation and early activities of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), focusing on the pivotal role the organization played during the civil rights movement, especially in Nashville. The chapter begins by highlighting the success of the Nashville sit-ins, which were instrumental in the desegregation of local businesses. These protests not only advanced the cause of civil rights but also forged deeper connections among the activists, including John Lewis and…
    • Chapter 6: Open City Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 6: Open City delves into the intense and transformative summer of 1961, exploring John Lewis's prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly in Nashville. After the Freedom Riders' release from Parchman Penitentiary, Lewis gained a newfound public visibility, receiving significant recognition for his courage. His invitation to speak at the “Freedom Jubilee” in Pittsburgh was a testament to his growing influence. Despite the accolades, Lewis remained humble, stating that he felt he…
    • Chapter 8: One Man, One Vote Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 8: One Man, One Vote captures a deeply transformative and heartbreaking moment in the civil rights movement. In September 1963, the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, resulted in the deaths of four young African American girls. This act of racial violence, which shocked the nation, served as a rallying cry for activists and marked a turning point in the struggle for justice. The brutal bombing was part of a broader campaign by white supremacists, designed to…
    • Chapter 7: The March on Washington Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 7: The March on Washington delves into John Lewis’s vital contribution to the civil rights movement during a critical period in the early 1960s. After significant progress in Nashville, where nonviolent protests led to promises of desegregation, Lewis remained committed to expanding his activism. He organized a swim-in at a segregated pool and a human barricade at a local supermarket, actions that garnered widespread media attention and highlighted the growing unrest in cities across the United…
    • Chapter 10: Africa Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 10: Africa takes readers on a transformative journey alongside John Lewis as he embarks on a life-changing trip to Africa in the mid-1960s. This chapter begins with a personal letter from his mother, Willie Mae Lewis, to his brother Robert, which provides updates on family matters, including their father’s recovery and the activities of his siblings. She expresses concern about Robert's decision to travel to Africa, citing the distance and the potential risks. However, Robert was determined to…
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