The Atlanta Urban Debate League is committed to providing excellent debate education programs, services, and opportunities to diverse students, educators, and members of the community!
Celebrating the Life and Work of
Congressman John Lewis
The Atlanta Urban Debate League (AUDL) is deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman John Lewis (February 21, 1940 - July 17, 2020). His extraordinary life, spent in dedication to protecting human rights, and securing civil liberties, was an inspiration to us all. A towering figure in the fight for social justice, Rep. Lewis had earned the widespread respect and admiration of Atlanta, Georgia, our nation, and the world. His passing came on the same day as that of civil rights leader Rev. Cordy Tindell “C.T” Vivian (July 30, 1924 - July 17, 2020). Their shared fight for equality and human rights, and challenges to racial injustice, remain relevant today.
In recognition of his service to the community, for several years, our spring invitational tournament has been named “The Congressman John Lewis Invitational.” Below, we encourage our community to further reflect on the life of Rep. Lewis and our commitment to continuing his work.
A new film documenting Rep. Lewis’ life, “Good Trouble” was released earlier this year. An accompaniment resource for the film, “The Good Trouble Handbook: Your Guide to Protecting the Vote,” has been made available to everyone.
John lewis’ life in pictures
"He was honored and respected as the conscience of the US Congress and an icon of American history, but we knew him as a loving father and brother," his family said in a statement. "He was a stalwart champion in the on-going struggle to demand respect for the dignity and worth of every human being. He dedicated his entire life to non-violent activism and was an outspoken advocate in the struggle for equal justice in America. He will be deeply missed."
CNN shares his life in pictures.
Image Credit: Lewis, right, and fellow student demonstrator James Bevel stand inside the door of a Nashville, Tennessee, restaurant during a sit-in protest in 1960. The manager turned on a fumigating machine to disrupt the sit-in. Jack Corn/The Tennessean/USA Today Network
Remembering Representative john lewis, in his own words
“To see all of the young people — black, white, Latino, Asian-American, Native-American — standing up, speaking up, being prepared to march, they’re going to help redeem the soul of America.” - John Lewis, June 2020.
The Washington Post shares his life’s work in his own words.
Image Credit: G&G Interview: Congressman John Lewis, Audra Melton/G&G
A reflection on his life of activism and friendship
Before he was a U.S. Congressman, John Lewis was one of the pioneers of the Civil Rights Movement. In this episode of “Oprah’s Master Class” the late American hero reflects on his life of activism and his friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and offers wisdom for the ongoing fight for justice and equality.