-By Congressman John Lewis and Andrew Aydin
-Art by Nate Powell
A Non-fiction Comic-style Book Publication
The spirit or energy of John Lewis is wonderful to experience in this book. He has a spirit of compassion and sacrifice. He will make time for others. His priority is people.
It is January 20 2009 and a momentous event will take place in history. Barack Obama would become the first black president of the United States. But before Congressman Lewis set out for the U.S. Capitol steps (the same steps that he stood with Dr. King for the March On Washington in 1963) he graciously stops to receive his guest, Rosa ‘Parks’.
Before he set out to finish meeting with Ms. Rosa he takes an on the spot office visit with a family from his representative state of Georgia. Mr. Lewis doesn’t know this family and it is just moments before the historical swearing-in… He takes the time to talk with them and share his personal story.
Mr. Lewis invites you into his heart as he visits with this family, a woman and her two young boys from Atlanta. While giving the family his congressional office tour, Mr. Lewis explains the chickens in his office. The inquiring minds of the boys wanted to know what that was all about. It turns out that this PDA, public display of affection, for chickens is the ‘sofly sauce’, if you will, of the congressman.
The graphic art of this book colorfully details some of the beginnings of young John Lewis. He tells the story of when he was a young boy living on a farm. His parents had given him the responsibility to take care of the chickens. I like how the book captures the memories of Lewis naming his chickens to give them each their own identity and attention. He fed them, fought for them, rescued them from wells and other life threatening events… and protested against eating chicken…
Young Lewis encouraged his chickens. He even preached and read to them from the Bible.
The justice and concern for other people’s spirits, was Congressman John Lewis’ call-to-march all along. We’re all the better for it because he answered.
…Finale next Wednesday – 12:30
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