American Baptist School Proudly Celebrates the Legacy of a Civil Rights Big, Rep. John R. Lewis

A message from Dr. Forrest E. Harris, Sr., President of American Baptist College

NASHVILLE, TN – I congratulate the American Baptist College family – administrators, faculties, staff, students, and alumni – and the entire metropolitan Nashville community for celebrating a giant of a man last month: Rep. John Robert Lewis.

The late John R. Lewis, US Congressman

This great congressman is a true example of how to answer the call, define work,

ABC President Forrest Harris speaks to the audience about the life of United States Representative John R. Lewis.

and change the world. He entered American Baptist College at the age of 17 from Troy, Alabama, and graduated in 1961. He was a student of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after hearing him on the radio and exchanging letters with him. Social justice was ingrained in his DNA, and after high school he wanted to incorporate Troy State University, a predominantly white college. His parents were afraid of his planned act, and Dr. King encouraged him to attend the American Baptist College in Nashville instead. He did and wow – what a change has happened!

As a student at ABC, Lewis was with CT Vivian, an older student, Bernard Lafayette, James Bevel and

Henry “Grant” Lewis, brother of John Lewis, thanked President Harris and Pastor Smith and the entire audience for the outpouring of love.

Julius Scruggs. They all became leaders in the non-violent desegregation campaign in downtown Nashville and in the larger civil rights movement. All of them were from American Baptist College. They studied together in class, they socialized, they ate together, they focused on the Bible together, and they protested together. Under the tutelage of James Lawson, a Vanderbilt Divinity School student, who taught them the principles of nonviolence and civil disobedience, they became part of a powerful movement. They were not aware of the depth and breadth of their actions at the time; they just believed in a better way of life and were willing to fight for it and die for it. And we must never forget that many died in the movement.

Diane Nash and other Fisk University students were also intrinsic

Congressman Jim Cooper speaks to the audience about the life of the Congressman
Lewis and Congressional Legislation.

involved in this commitment to a precious life for People of Color. Students at Tennessee State University also fought for their rights. They did not want to and could not give in or give up. They didn’t try to be heroes and heroes; They fought for justice for all.

All of these leaders of the Nashville movement became greater and great leaders in the world. They became excellent elected officials, preachers, teachers, and community activists. Two of them, Congressman Lewis and Rev. Vivian, received the country’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. These two giants of history died less than 12 hours apart on the same day, Friday July 17, 2020.

A year after her death, the city of Nashville is partnered with American

The President of Fisk University, Dr. Vann Newkirk, pays tribute to Rep. Lewis.

Baptist College, recognized John Lewis in a great and loving way. American Baptist planned a sweeping memorial service. Under the leadership of the Metropolitan Council’s Minority Caucus and Council Lady At-Large Zulfat Suara, the city campaigned for the renaming of Fifth Avenue in downtown Nashville to Rep. John Lewis Way. The renaming is appropriate as this was the street where Woolworths, Kresge, and other stores were where the lunch sit-ins took place. In addition, there was a ceremonial march, historical marker and climax program with youth, civil rights activists like the invincible 93-year-old Rev. James Lawson, former US Vice President Al Gore and many more.

I would like to take this opportunity to meet the American Baptist College staff, especially Dr. Thanks to Phyllis Qualls, vice president of institutional funding, who led the memorial service, and her immediate associates: Andre ‘Trice, Jeremiah Parks, Josh Shaw, and Jonae Woods. The First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill, hosted the memorial service. Other churches, including Clark Memorial and Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church, which also hosted Lawson’s training courses; and other organizations, including the Chi Boule and Phi

Mayor John Cooper speaks at the First Baptist Church on Capitol Hill.

Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. played a role in the celebration. We are also indebted to the Minority Caucus of the Metropolitan Council, Hands on Nashville, the Downtown Partnership, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, and the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, as well as other elected officials and numerous volunteers and organizations.

The weekend that Rep. John Lewis was celebrated was glorious for my soul. My spirit has been rekindled, my pride renewed, and my love for people revived because justice never sleeps. The end of the weekend’s activities did not end the celebration; its purpose was to start over with a violent invitation to “get into good trouble; Necessary Difficulties “,” Educating to Liberate “,” Lifting “,” Breaking Barriers to Freedom “,” Fighting for Our Human Rights “,” Working in Solidarity “,” Saying What Needs to Be Said “,” Loving One Another “,” and above all: “Pray that the liberating God of all peoples and cultures will be glorified.”

I express my sincere thanks in sincere appreciation.