John Lewis' America

For nearly 4 hours, we were all transported yesterday. 

Transported to an America where right still matters. Where bipartisanship still exists. Where music moves even the most powerful among us to tears. Where those aged 12 to 80 can speak to a captivated audience. Where inter-generational American freedom fighters come together to hear stories of their struggle and of the work that continues. And where Americans of all ages can watch and learn from the life and legacy of one of its great historical heroes.  

Yesterday's John Lewis memorial service showed that America is still America. Battered and bruised she may be, but she still exudes an inherent goodness that many of us still believe is possible. It was a service that told John Lewis' story from boyhood to battling cancer and everything in between. It recognized his victories and achievements. But it also recognized although his own personal journey may be at an end, his life's work continues and it continues through us. It was that theme of working toward a more perfect union that permeated the sanctuary of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church. John Lewis himself may have passed on, but his work and his message continue.

What we saw yesterday exemplifies why I'm proud to be a lifelong Democrat. It is the party of not only civil rights but of inclusion. Of working to right historical wrongs. Of working to address systemic injustices. Of working to lift up those most in need. Of those giving a voice to the voiceless. It is the party of nonviolent resistance taught so beautifully by James Lawson and others. It is the party of interracial community building that we saw with Bill Clinton. And it is the party of hope during even the darkest times as has been shown to us time and time again by Barack Obama. 

In May of 2016, I was fortunate enough to attend the Sacramento campaign office opening for Hillary Clinton. There, packed like sardines were 200 people anxiously awaiting the keynote speaker. That speaker was none other than Congressman John Robert Lewis, who at the ripe old age of 76 was still hitting the campaign trail stumping for the woman who would go on to become the Democratic nominee. Lewis didn't have to be there in a solidly blue state but he accepted the invitation to him offered by CA State NAACP President Felicia Huffman. Once given the floor to speak, Lewis spoke about the importance of voting and, of course, the need to get into "good trouble." As he concluded his remarks he shook hands with a number of those in attendance, including myself. It was, to this day, one of the most memorable moments of my life.  

That is why it is up to us, all of us, to continue to uphold John Lewis' legacy. He put his life on the line for me and future generations to protect our sacred right to vote, the most powerful tool we have in a democracy. That vote is the only tool that we the people have to remove the most corrupt president in our nation's history. The courts have stymied him, women have stood up to him, and a Democratic House have done their part. But the only way to end the reign of Donald Trump and his cabal of criminals is to reject them loud and clear on November 3rd. To do that, we need to outvote the deplorables in record numbers leaving them and Russia no doubt about the validity of our election. Then and only then can we help restore the decency and dignity that we saw at John Lewis' funeral. 

Then and only then can we actually say that John Lewis did not die in vain.