Three things we can learn from civil rights icon John Lewis

In December, Congressman John Lewis announced that he was at the fourth stage of pancreatic cancer.

In a rather fast-moving world, the news cycle seemed to have a moment to spare to reconcile thoughts on a man who has earned his place among America’s pantheon of those who walk the talk of justice.

To say John Lewis has come far is to understate the distance and danger on the road he has traveled.

He was a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr., which invariably meant at various points in time, Lewis’ life was on the line.

From Selma to Washington, Lewis marched in the name of forcing America to actualize its promise of respecting the equality and dignity of all of its people. It takes the people to force power to listen.

Lewis is the last living speaker from that March on Washington. Today that he turns 80, Face2FaceAfrica draws three lessons for the present and future generations from Lewis’ life.