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I simply cannot imagine having to face the brutality these people faced in the south. The ugliness on display in places like AL, MS and TN is horrific. The men and women using non-violence as a protest are amazing people and this story has power. I admit, I didn't know much of who John Lewis was until this series. This is his account of the civil rights revolution. A revolution that never completely finished. People want to think it's fair and equal, but yet it's not. Our system is still stacked against the poor and people of color.

I'm so glad these novels have been published. They tell an important story of our history. What a shame that it is still a struggle for all people of the US to have the promises of the American revolution. Right now, at this moment, there are groups doing their best to purge voter rolls and keep a certain type of person from voting, mostly people who will vote the party of power out.

I can't imagine the violence that happened during this time. It boggles my mind that people would bomb churches and kill and maim people for trying to change society. We are seeing the repercussions from this time period. We took a step forward and it looks as if we might be taking a violent step back. This violence and civil unrest will surface again if people don't feel like they can live equal and free.

John Lewis gave a powerful speech at the march on Washington. I don't know if I have ever heard it before, but it's still relevant today. I mostly know Dr. King's speech, which is one of my favorites in history. I'm glad things have changed, but they need to keep changing. We can't let the country fail it's citizen's. We are facing some serious times ahead. Our country is so divided, I don't know if we can come back together. We have racial problems, we have class problems, we have environmental problems, we have violence problems and we have truth problems. These are huge issues and the next generation will have to deal with them at some point. They won't be denied. We need to be able to come together to deal with them. It's going to be a rocky future is my fear.

When there is almost half the country that can't even admit truth is truth how do we even go forward? I saw a college facebook friend comment on a status update that slavery was not bad and they Hollywood made up all the horrible treatment that went on. They were treated with care and like family. How does someone in my generation really believe such utter crap? I watched Roots, didn't she. This books shows the hatred humans can show one another. It is the sad side of human nature.

As tough as this book is, it also gives me hope. These stories show people facing great violence and a threat to their very lives. People died all around them and in all that, they had faith and love. Somehow, they kept their faith. They knew there was a better world they could create. They sacrificed for a better world. So in all that happens now, I hope I can continue to have faith, even while it feels the cards are stacked against a better tomorrow.

I will certainly read the 3rd volume. I think it is the last one. I want to finish the story. It is something to have John Lewis watch Barack Obama sworn into office. It gives me goosebumps to think about the meaning of that for all the people who gave their life to see that possibility happen.

I think Love is the only way forward. It will be difficult love as loving people who seem out to destroy your world is truly tough. I see faith as the only way forward. We have to love one another to heal the wounds in our country. Listening is a powerful tool and I think it's time our nation begin to listen to both sides. Both sides have hurts, real or imagined, doesn't matter.

Thank you John Lewis for all your sacrifices in making this a better world and for giving us this account of your life. It has touched me and I pray no other generation will have to experience this level of violence and humiliation.