Civil rights icon John Lewis to be honored during July 21 vigil | Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past is inviting the community to attend.
Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past will honor the memory of U.S. Rep. John Lewis during a candlelight vigil this week. It occurs 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 21 on the steps of the Nathaniel R. Jones Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, 10 E. Commerce St., Youngstown.
The community is invited to attend the vigil.
Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past had a long-standing connection to the civil rights activist and icon. Each year, Lewis flew to Atlanta to meet Sojourn students as they began their journey to civil-rights sites in the South. Lewis said he knew the journey would be transformative for young people. Before beginning the visit, students read Lewis’ autobiography, “Walking With the Wind.”
In 2011, at the request of Sojourn to the Past students, Lewis traveled to Youngstown and spoke at East High School to students from Chaney, East and the Rayen Early College.
During the event, Lewis spoke about his adherence to the Six Principles of Nonviolence during stands for social justice. And he challenged them to do the same.
“Our hearts are saddened by his passing, but we realize we now have the responsibility to pick up his baton and continue his battle for justice for all people. With John Lewis as our role model, we can do nothing less,” said Penny Wells, executive director, Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past.
For more information on the vigil for U.S. Rep. John Lewis, call 330-207-4467 or email pe*********@sb*******.net.
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