Honoring Congressman John Lewis
Earlier this year on the 55th commemoration of Bloody Sunday, we walked through Selma remembering — and celebrating — those who marched.
Standing on the bridge, I thought about the camera footage of the violence. How John Lewis and others stood, peacefully, as police officers attacked them with clubs and tear gas.
The commemoration was a celebration of life and democracy, and importantly, of reflection. Months later, I also believe I was witnessing how far we all still must go to fight for racial justice.
Congressman John Lewis led an incredible life of leadership and dedicated activism. He taught me, and countless others, the importance of “good trouble,” how to be a peaceful warrior, and how to never waiver in our convictions. Throughout his life, Congressman Lewis showed us that the journey didn’t end on the bridge. The journey to a better world is one of personal self-reflection and interrogation, as well as one of institutional and systemic reflection, interrogation and transformation.
APIAHF is committed to that journey, of becoming an anti-racist organization. We will continue to embrace our role in addressing racism as a public health crisis, and defining structural racism as a social determinant of health, centering Black lives, and continuing to unlearn anti-Blackness.
To honor Congressman John Lewis, APIAHF calls for:
· Renaming the Edmund Pettus Bridge after Congressman John Lewis,
· Strengthening voting rights, and
· Diversifying the health professions.
We honor the memory of such a peaceful warrior.
Reflection by APIAHF President and CEO Kathy Ko Chin
