Pillar 5: John R. Lewis Sustaining Himself in the Struggle
"There is no adversary who can defeat us if we believe in our own inner capacity to overcome. Sometimes we have to gain tools to overcome our adversaries. We might need to study, to get help, to pray, or develop a plan, but there is no obstacle we as human beings cannot overcome." - John R. Lewis.
JRL's work for Health Equity
From the establishment of clinics during Freedom Summer with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to his promotion of health equity, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act while in Congress, John R Lewis believed in and fought for the right to Health Care and access to equitable treatment for all across his lifetime. Below are just a few of his notable efforts while in Congress to promote access to health care.
Mental Health Care and Suicide Prevention
In 1997, John R Lewis took a stand in the name of mental health and suicide prevention. His efforts helped fuel the first national movement to prevent suicide by break the barriers of shame and stigma associated. Through the House Resolution 212 of the 105th Congress Links to an external site., suicide was recognized as a national problem and suicide prevention declared a national priority. It encouraged the development, including the promotion of accessibility and affordability, of mental health services so that all persons at risk for suicide, regardless of their population or community, be able to obtain services without fear of stigma.
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
In 2010, John R Lewis supported and cosponsored the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act through the House Resolution 3590 of the 111th Congress Links to an external site. into law. The law was amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act via the House Resolution 4872 of the 111th Congress Links to an external site., and this final amended version of the law is what is commonly referred to as the “Affordable Care Act.”
The comprehensive health care reform law provides numerous rights and protections that make health coverage more fair and easy to understand, along with subsidies to make it more affordable. The law also expands the Medicaid program to cover more people with low incomes.
John R Lewis on Self-Care
"Days before he passed away, Lewis engaged in a discussion with other Black leaders and activists about the importance of self-care. Even while facing a cancer diagnosis, Lewis took care of his body with a healthy diet, consistent rest, and good sleep. Above all, Lewis found solace in God and his faith. “Lord let me live,” a little prayer he had uttered while being beaten in Selma, had given him the strength to keep fighting. He said that he felt blessed to see the changes that have happened and was proud of all of the young people fighting against racial injustice.
After a long day in Congress, for Lewis, the little things kept him going, and he found peace in poetry and gospel music. One of his favorite songs was “Order My Steps.” He believed that God had ordered the steps that helped him make the change he wanted to make.
Lewis’ calm composure amazed many individuals, but perhaps, it could have been the result of his ability to self-reflect and think about the purpose of his actions. Before any delegation, speech, or protest, Lewis had what he called “executive sessions” with himself to reflect, pray, and find peace within his mind: “This is what you must do. This is what you must say. Do what you can, and play the role you can play.” His faith not only supported him, but it also allowed him to support others, and it will continue to support people as they fight against inequality."
His wishes in life were simple; he wanted peace and balance in the world. As a congressman, he made rational decisions for the greater good. As a human being, he had simple desires and enjoyed time with his loved ones. Lewis spent a lot of time with his brothers and sisters and visited his family in Alabama. His wife, Lillian, supported him during the worst and the best of times. She managed his election campaigns, stood by his side for 44 years, and was his best friend.
Some of his favorite things were sweet potato pie, the color blue, and the season of spring. Even from his favorites, one can tell how calm and balanced his choices and mindset were. Although he has passed from this Earth, John Lewis will continue to be in our hearts and will continue to inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. May you find his final words as inspiration to keep pursuing justice and liberty."
Additional Reading
Moving Forward
Ahead, you will see how other UCSC students engage in Self-Care to sustain themselves in the struggle.