BLACK LIFE AS SUBJECT MATTER II
Artists Statements
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TITLE: "JOHN LEWIS"
by Lois Fortson-Kirk
Media: Clay
Size: 14″ x 7″
Hue: Red Clay
Copyright 2021
Price: $1,500.00
Artist Statement:
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This past year, our nation lost a great man, Congressman John Lewis. He was the Representative for the 5th U.S. Congressional District of Georgia since 1987. He was called the “conscience of the Congress,” and he was a true icon and guiding light to all who served in Congress. He tried to make America a more perfect Union. When we exercise our right to vote, we are standing on John Lewis’ shoulders.
John Lewis and his courageous groups coordinated the march across The Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965, that later became known as “Bloody Sunday".
His last public appearance was at Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington D C. He said I want to see young people in America feel the Spirit of the 1960’s and find a way to get into trouble, necessary trouble.
I met John Lewis at EbonNia Gallery September 2, 2006. Bing Davis called a meeting to honor his presence in the City of Dayton. I had purchased his book, "Walking With The Wind". When I presented the book, he signed with these words, “Keep the faith. Best wishes”.
John Lewis was a man of great faith. He was born the son of sharecroppers in 1940, just outside of Troy, Alabama. He grew up on a small farm and attended segregated schools.
John’s example for spiritual strength was his mother. He once said his mother had more spiritual strength than anyone he knew. It was this same spiritual strength that held up The Civil Rights Movement. John Lewis believed that nothing can break you when you have faith in God.
He believed that The Civil Rights Movement came out of a simple faith of everyday people …good hard working people….people descendants of slaves.
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LOIS FORTSON-KIRK