Rep. John Lewis’s call for protests to remain peaceful draws mixed reaction
Congressman John Lewis criticized the looting and violence that followed peaceful protests in Atlanta and other cities, a position that is bringing him praise and accusations that the Civil Rights-era activist is out of touch.
Lewis, in an interview Saturday afternoon on MSNBC, said non-violence is what he and others had modeled.
“We must continue to teach the way of peace, the way of love, the philosophy and the discipline of non-violence,” the Atlanta Democrat said. “And never, ever give up on any of our brothers and sisters. We’re one people; we’re one family. “
Lewis, 80, posted a longer statement on his U.S. House website directly addressing protesters.
“To the rioters here in Atlanta and across the country: I see you, and I hear you,” he wrote. “I know your pain, your rage, your sense of despair and hopelessness. Justice has, indeed, been denied for far too long. Rioting, looting, and burning is not the way. Organize. Demonstrate. Sit-in. Stand-up. Vote. Be constructive, not destructive.”
Complete coverage: Atlanta protests: https://www.ajc.com/news/local/complete-coverage-atlanta-protests/752UoUuBszpNakoEKP4raO/
A post on Twitter excerpting his statement was shared by Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, celebrity chef Padma Lakshmi and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley among others thanking Lewis for speaking out.
During this time of national grief, we should all look to the wisdom of John Lewis and the generation of patriots he represents. https://t.co/slqa0RQauf
— Martin O'Malley (@MartinOMalley) May 31, 2020
Still a critical voice in a time of dispair. What he said for sure. Constructive not destructive Thank you @repjohnlewis for always speaking up and showing the way. #GoodTrouble #BeTheChange #Enough 💔 https://t.co/iLt8YCNOng
— Kim Hunter Reed (@KimHunterReed) May 31, 2020
What there were many people praising the congressman, who was badly beaten during a march across Selma's Pettus Bridge in 1965 and is considered one of the last living Civil Rights leaders, others said he wasn't fully acknowledging that previous protests often turned violent because of law enforcement and that America's systemic issues with police brutality, racism and economic inequality continue to persist.
I love you, you are a hero in my family but we have organized, sat in, stood up, voted. We’ve been doing that for decades. Maybe what the country needs is to know that if you murder a black man in the street then every street in major cities across the country will burn.
— GaBruncle (@RykerStephenson) May 30, 2020
Look how well that approach turned out for Martin Luther King Jr. & you. I’m sure you still feel the mental & physical scars from that. pic.twitter.com/nRBhpxmzEi
— SmizeEyes (@SmizeEyes) May 30, 2020
The protests, which swept across Atlanta for the past two nights, are sparked by outrage over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Marchers have also voiced concerns about the death of Breonna Taylor, who was killed when police in Louisville, Ky., erroneously executed a search on her home. The shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, especially prosecutors' conduct in that case, has also been criticized.
All of this is happening while many Americans continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to job losses and limitations on daily life.
But what do you do when you've tried all those things and nothing has changed? Trump and the Republicans sit on legislation or ignore it. Booth for gun control and civil rights. They revoke laws that even in a remedial way try to level the playing field. What more can people do?
— christina m. brooks (@runewarrior) May 30, 2020
I hate to say this, but non-violent protest haven’t worked. It’s why there’s so much rage. “History has proven time and again that non-violent, peaceful protest is the way to achieve the justice and equality that we all deserve.” I disagree, congressman.
— Wearing a Mask is a Kindness, Atlanta (@WhatIsAtlanta) May 31, 2020
Despite the disagreement with Lewis’s statements, people who appeared to be condescending or disrespectful toward the congressman were generally rebuked.
Mr. Lewis is definitely NOT a sell out. He’s saying what any many in his position would say. After all he’s given, the disrespect is disgraceful.
— Donna Rochelle, MBA (@msdonna_rd) May 31, 2020
Lewis’s MSNBC interview:
About the Author
Tia Mitchell is the AJC’s Washington Bureau Chief and a co-host of the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She writes about Georgia’s congressional delegation, campaigns, elections and the impact that decisions made in D.C. have on residents of the Peach State.
