02/21/2026
🕊️ Black History Fact of the Day: February 21, 1940
On this day in 1940, John Lewis was born in Troy, Alabama. He would grow up to become one of the "Big Six" leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and a moral compass for the United States Congress.
A Lifetime of Good Trouble
Fearless Youth: As a young man, Lewis was a key architect of the Civil Rights Movement. He helped organize the Freedom Rides, sit-ins at segregated lunch counters, and the historic 1963 March on Washington, where he was the youngest keynote speaker.
The Edmund Pettus Bridge: In 1965, he led over 600 peaceful protestors across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The brutal attacks they faced on "Bloody Sunday" shocked the nation and accelerated the passage of the Voting Rights Act.
The Conscience of Congress: Lewis served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over three decades, fighting tirelessly for equality, voting rights, and human dignity.
Why We Honor Him
Congressman John Lewis risked his life time and time again for the promise of an equal America. He left us with a powerful mandate that continues to inspire: "Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble."
WE ARE BLACK HISTORY. We are the marchers, the leaders, and the relentless pursuers of justice.
