Orchard’s DEI Blog | “Good Trouble: Remembering John Lewis”
Welcome to Orchard's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Blog. Below is the most recent blog, “Good Trouble: Remembering John Lewis” by Lisa Pryor.
I’ve had many conversations with students around being held accountable and nearly every one of them makes mention of not wanting to get “in trouble.” I, too, struggled with the notion of being in trouble - what it means and what the repercussions would be from whatever the circumstances. However, there is a time when we must call upon necessary trouble. The quote from Congressman John Lewis back in June of 2018 really struck a chord with me. He said via his personal Twitter account, “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
I’ve had many conversations with students around being held accountable and nearly every one of them makes mention of not wanting to get “in trouble.” I, too, struggled with the notion of being in trouble - what it means and what the repercussions would be from whatever the circumstances. However, there is a time when we must call upon necessary trouble. The quote from Congressman John Lewis back in June of 2018 really struck a chord with me. He said via his personal Twitter account, “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
Congressman Lewis had been arrested at least 45 times for participating in protests linked to the Civil Rights Movement. This was the “good and necessary trouble” he was referring to.
To inspire our students to get into necessary trouble is extremely thought provoking. What does that even mean? The Congressman helped us out here, also. He said, “When you see something that is not right, not just, not fair, you have a moral obligation to say something. To do something.” It means standing up for those who don’t have a voice.
At The Orchard School, we believe in speaking for those who do not have a voice. We believe in helping win the fight for social justice. We thank Congressman Lewis for inspiring a nation with the “good, necessary trouble” he was a part of that changed the lives of countless people, and we vow to do our part to continue the fight.
If you would like to learn more about Congressman John Lewis, he recently shared his life and legacy in a memoir for the new generation in the graphic novel trilogy, March. We encourage families to read this trilogy together as they reflect on the life and legacy of Congressman Lewis.
Click here to purchase March by John Lewis.
RIP John Lewis
Lisa Pryor
Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
ICYMI: Click here to read the previous DEI Blog post, "Pride Month: Liberation, Celebration, and Education"
ICYMI: Click here to read the previous DEI Blog post, "Pride Month: Liberation, Celebration, and Education"
Comments