As we commemorate Black History Month, we reflect not only on the monumental achievements of the past but also on the powerful voices that continue to resonate through time. Among these voices is that of the late Congressman John Lewis, a beacon of courage, resilience, and moral clarity. His words—“If not now, when? If not us, who?”—are more than a call to action; they are a timeless challenge that echoes across generations, urging each of us to rise in the face of injustice and to stand unwavering in the pursuit of equality.
The Power of a Simple Quote
Sometimes, it takes just a few words to stir the soul, to ignite movements, and to shape the course of history. Lewis’s quote is one such catalyst. Its simplicity belies its profound depth, serving as both a mirror and a motivator. It compels us to reflect inwardly on our personal responsibilities and outwardly on our collective role in society.
These words strip away excuses and complacency, replacing them with urgency and accountability. They ask us not to wait for the perfect moment because the perfect moment is now. They challenge us not to assume someone else will step up because we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
The Life and Legacy of John Lewis
Born in 1940 in Troy, Alabama, John Lewis grew up witnessing the harsh realities of segregation in the Deep South. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Lewis became a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement at an early age. He was one of the original 13 Freedom Riders, challenging the segregation of public transportation across the South.
As the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Lewis played a pivotal role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. But perhaps one of the most defining moments of his life—and American history—occurred on March 7, 1965. On what became known as “Bloody Sunday,” Lewis led over 600 peaceful protesters across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, marching for voting rights. They were met with brutal violence from state troopers, and Lewis himself suffered a fractured skull. Yet, his spirit remained unbroken.
John Lewis dedicated his life to the principles of nonviolent resistance, moral courage, and unwavering faith in the possibility of a just America. As a U.S. Congressman for over three decades, he continued to fight for civil rights, voting rights, and social justice until his passing in 2020.
A Continuum, Not Just a Moment
The brilliance of John Lewis’s life lies not just in what he accomplished but in what he passed on—a torch of justice that cannot be extinguished. His quote is not tethered to a specific era; it transcends time. It is a reminder that history is not a closed book yet an ongoing story. We are the authors of today’s chapters.
While Black History Month honors the milestones and heroes of the past, it also serves as a charge to future generations. The struggle for equity, justice, and dignity is not over. Racism, discrimination, and social inequities still exist in various forms. If not now, when will we dismantle these systems? If not us, who will carry forward the work that John Lewis and countless others began?
The Ripple Effect of Purposeful Words
Quotes like Lewis’s do more than inspire—they imprint. They settle into the fabric of our consciousness, urging us toward moral, ethical, and purposeful action. They remind us that the fight for justice is not reserved for the few but is the responsibility of the many.
Whether you’re marching in the streets, casting a vote, mentoring youth, speaking out against injustice, or fostering change within your community—you are part of this continuum. The baton is passed not just in grand gestures but in everyday acts of courage and compassion.
Get in “Good Trouble”
John Lewis famously encouraged people to get into “good trouble, necessary trouble.” It’s a call to disrupt injustice wherever it exists. But good trouble isn’t always about protests or headlines. Sometimes it’s standing up when it’s easier to stay silent. It’s choosing empathy over indifference, action over apathy, and hope over fear.
A Living Legacy
As we honor John Lewis this Black History Month, let us not relegate his words to history books or commemorative plaques. Let’s live them. Let’s embody the spirit of “If not now, when? If not us, who?” in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
His life was a testament to the belief that ordinary people with extraordinary vision can change the world.
So, ask yourself: If not now, when? If not us, who?
And then—act.
In honor of John Lewis, let’s not just celebrate history. Let’s make it.
Copyright © 2025 Patricia Freudenberg, Certified End-of-Life Coach. All Rights Reserved.
