From beginning to end, Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights provides a discussion for adults and children - yes, even young children - that speaks to John Lewis’s call to action: “When you see something that is not right, you must say something. In addition, the back matter of Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights gives us a brief history of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s and a glossary of protest words with their definitions. Be hope.” this colorful picture book embodies John Lewis’s message. Take Action.” “Create allies.” “Listen. Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights by Rob Sanders and illustrated by Jared Andrew Schorr, (published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) is an alphabet primer of energy, vocabulary, symbolism, and actions that offers young citizens the many ways to speak out for what they believe is right. We also must help our children learn to “stand up, speak up, speak out,” and take action for peace. We create welcoming circles, so children have a sense of belonging. We encourage kindness, empathy, compassion. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. In it, John Lewis challenged each generation to fulfill its moral and democratic obligations to speak out against injustice:

On the day of his funeral, July 30, 2020, the New York Times published a letter written by Lewis before his death. John Lewis, the late Civil Rights leader and Congressman, can guide us. With the school year beginning, in-person or online, what is our responsibility to help children process these historic times and participate in peaceful change? John Lewis, Civil Rights leader and Congressman, – Jul 17, 2020 Ellie Roscher and I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, not far from where George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer and close to the epicenter of marches and protests. No peace.” This summer, millions of people – young, old and from all backgrounds - protested police brutality and systemic racism, all during an historic pandemic.

Peaceful fights for equal rights