Civil rights icon and Georgia Democratic Rep. John Lewis delivered an emotional speech at Atlanta Pride over the weekend. The congressman recounted the fight leading up to the successful repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and encouraged activists to continue pressing for equality.
Said the congressman to much applause: "One year ago we had 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' but it's gone now. When people stand together, fight together and march together ... we can bring about change. So don't ever give up or ever give in."
Lewis once again compared the fight for equality to the racial segregation that he fought as a Freedom Rider. "We're one family, it doesn't matter if we're gay or straight."
In related news: In an ironic twist of fate, less than 24 after Lewis delivered this Friday speech to kick off Atlanta Pride, he was denied the opportunity to speak at the Occupy Atlanta protest.
Via the GA Voice, watch the video WHEN YOU JUMP ...
Beautiful speech!!!. Spoken as a true civil rights icon. Georgia Democratic Rep. John Lewis, we salute you.
Posted by: Warry | 12 October 2011 at 11:50
"Get in the way!" I love it.
Posted by: JBK! | 14 October 2011 at 01:57
He wasn't denied a chance to speak exactly. There were established procedures. Here's a good read on the issue
http://news.salon.com/2011/10/13/the_man_who_blocked_john_lewis_speaks/
Posted by: dee | 14 October 2011 at 19:20