Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change is a memoir written by the late American politician and civil rights leader, John Lewis. The book was published in 2017 and covers Lewis’ life, from his childhood in Troy, Alabama, to his role in the Civil Rights Movement and his career in politics. The book is divided into three parts, with each part focusing on a different aspect of Lewis’ life and work.
Part I: The Early Years
Part I of Across That Bridge focuses on Lewis’ early years, growing up in the segregated South. Lewis recounts the many instances of racism and discrimination he faced as a child, including being beaten by police officers for protesting segregation. Despite these challenges, Lewis was inspired by the nonviolent activism of Martin Luther King Jr. and others, and decided to devote his life to the struggle for civil rights.
Part II: The Movement
Part II of Across That Bridge covers Lewis’ involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Lewis describes his participation in the Freedom Rides, the March on Washington, and the Selma-to-Montgomery march, among other events. Throughout this section, Lewis emphasizes the importance of nonviolent resistance and the power of peaceful protest. He also recounts the many instances of violence and brutality he and his fellow activists faced at the hands of white supremacists and law enforcement officials.
Part III: The Journey
Part III of Across That Bridge focuses on Lewis’ career in politics. After the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, Lewis was elected to represent Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District in the US House of Representatives. In this role, Lewis continued to fight for civil rights and social justice, working on issues such as education, healthcare, and voting rights. Throughout this section, Lewis reflects on the progress that has been made since the Civil Rights Movement, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Conclusion
Overall, Across That Bridge is a powerful and inspiring memoir that highlights the importance of courage, perseverance, and nonviolent resistance in the struggle for justice and equality. Through his own experiences, Lewis shows us the true cost of oppression and the importance of standing up against it. At the same time, he reminds us that progress is never easy or immediate, and that it often requires sacrifice and struggle. Despite the challenges he faced, Lewis remained committed to his beliefs and his vision of a better world. His story is a reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference, and that we must never give up on our dreams of a more just and equitable society.
Interested in reading the whole book?
Buy the book “Across That Bridge” on Amazon
