Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation

Together, You Can Redeem(rəˈdēm) the Soul of Our Nation

Though I am gone, I urge(ərj) you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.

By John Lewis

While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society. Millions of people motivated simply by human compassion laid down the burdens of division. Around the country and the world you set aside race(rās), class, age, language and nationality(ˌnaSHəˈnalədē) to demand respect for human dignity(ˈdiɡnədē).

That is why I had to visit Black Lives Matter Plaza(ˈplazə) in Washington, though I was admitted to the hospital the following day. I just had to see and feel it for myself that, after many years of silent witness, the truth is still marching on.

…

Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence(nänˈvīələns) is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.

When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed(ˈtrīəmf) over violence, aggression(əˈɡreSHən) and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/30/opinion/john-lewis-civil-rights-america.html