An evening with Representative John Lewis

 

Peter Coulter is the event manager of the world; he can set up events, meetings, you name it, with just about anybody. It is not unusual for him to be coming from a meeting with various chiefs of staff or media reporters. Thanks to Peter, I had the unique opportunity to meet with Rep. John Lewis, one of the leading revolutionary figures involved with the American Civil Rights Movement. Despite more than 40 arrests and extreme physical abuse, John Lewis has remained a devoted advocate of achieving solutions without violence. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1987 and works endlessly for civil rights.

 

There were seven of us invited to the event; two from Northern Ireland, two from Southern Ireland, two South Africans and WIP Executive Director, Megan Farrell. Before the meeting, we watched a short video in the congressman’s office about his life. While waiting for Rep. Lewis to arrive, we chatted with one of his legislative correspondents and enjoyed the complimentary Georgia peanuts! The congressman entered the room in a reserved manner and as indicated by one of his aids, when he was asked about something he was passionate about, he really lit up the room.

 

We were each allowed ask one question, but alas with the schedule of a congressman he was moved on before I could take my turn. However he did give 25 minutes of his time and it was so interesting to listen to him speak about his life and time with Dr. Martin Luther King. He was particularly interested in hearing about the religious divide in Northern Ireland and instilled great encouragement and further passion in Northerners, Caitlin and Peter.

 

I had wanted to ask him about the decrease in political activism at University level. In comparison the 1960s, I wonder have students become more despondent with politics, do they believe all problems have been resolved or do students believe they have better things to be doing with their time. I would have been interested in his thoughts but maybe another time! From my own perspective, I was involved in an independent youth action group, called Generation Yes last year. We were campaigning for a ‘yes’ vote for the Lisbon Treaty which had been controversially rejected by the Irish public in 2008. I felt very strongly about the need to pass the treaty and became actively involved in Limerick City. I found it very difficult to recruit volunteers to help in the campaign; not because people were against the treaty but because of a general disinterest in political activism and perhaps also because it is not really a ‘cool’ thing to be involved in. Having observed the excitement surrounding the Obama Presidential campaign, and also amongst those who did get involved with the Lisbon campaign, it is unfortunate that more people are not part of this area of politics.

 

Rep. Lewis emphasized that the fight to civil rights is not over and encouraged us never to give up on what we believe is right. I would like to thank Peter for organizing the unique opportunity. Our time with Congressman Lewis was motivational and deeply inspirational.

 

Ruth Murray Bio.