Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Congressman John Lewis, My "Good Trouble" Role Model


Those who knew me in 2008, know that I was on the Obama train pretty early in the game when many were not. They were loyal to the Clintons. John Lewis was one of those persons. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) was actually split down the middle. It was an interesting time. I recall John Lewis making a tearful announcement of his endorsement of Barack Obama's candidacy. He was torn. The Clintons were his friends and they had been in the trenches together for many years. Understood. But he had to do the right thing. He was in Congress to represent his constituents and they were overwhelmingly backing Barack. Eventually Congressman Lewis came around. I was quite pleased and wrote to tell him so. Going through old emails, I found this one penned to him upon his announcement. This morning, I am sharing my walk down memory lane with you...



February 28, 2008

Congressman Lewis,

I cannot express fully enough just how proud I am of your decision to announce your support of Senator Obama. This is truly history in the making. After eight years of divisiveness, mean spiritedness and total indifference emanating from the White House and most of "conservative" America, this is an awakening, a catalyst for change and perhaps a time for healing in our country. Undoubtedly, it is the shot of positive reinforcement and vibrant energy that Black America needs. It is so beautiful to see us standing together supporting something/someone that is OH SO POSITIVE and believing in US! It is unacceptable that too many of our elected officials do not stand with us..., so yes I am PROUD that you made what seemed a very difficult decision.


It is my prayer that this rejuvenated and collective sense of pride and belief in ourselves and our capabilities will transcend this election and spill over into other aspects of our community. We are in desperate need of a healing, Black on Black murder rates are through the roof, too much teenage pregnancy - still, boys walking around with pants and their respect falling off their butts, video vixens are seemingly role models for far too many of our girls, desecration of the English language is applauded and spilling over into mainstream, a commitment for education has been replaced with a commitment to being cool, talking fast and making lots of money, vague regard for our history or for those such as yourself who have sacrificed so that we can be... I could go on and on.... So in light of all of that, yes I applaud and fully support the advancement of a young positive, electrifying, Black male role model. It is a testament to who we really are and far cry better than what the media prefers to portray. It is quite refreshing.


We NEED the CBC to support that image and to shield Barack as he is in for some trying times. He has looked to you all as his role models and his inspiration, especially you. The sharks are circling and are about to attack. As our history has taught us, there is a very big force in this country that does not want most folks, particularly those of color and/or poor, to think, to hope, or to believe that they can do better. They will be relentless in their efforts to tear Barack, his dream and his image as a positive Black male down. They will do anything to diffuse this renewed sense of hope, pride, unity and dignity amongst the masses. Again, he needs, WE need you to stand up and "get in the way"... Run defense (or is it offense? I know NOTHING about football - smile) for him, if you will... So welcome aboard. I pray other members of the CBC follow your lead and get on board very soon... Sadly, I think it to their detriment if they do not...


The Senator's campaign is powerful and positive inspiration for so many. His message to ALL folks, not just Black folks, is "YES YOU CAN" if you just Believe in YOU!!!" But more importantly, his dream is what I believe you and so many others fought, died, got beaten, abused, humiliated, disrespected but ultimately stood for. So that someone like Obama could dare have the audacity to not only hope for himself and his children, but the audacity to hope for a better nation, and the hope to inspire so many others from ALL sectors of our society. This has GOT to be the Dream that Dr. King spoke of and the pathway to the Beloved Community you envision...


Again, PROUD that you have announced what was no doubt a very difficult decision. I appreciate your affection for the Clintons. Most of us share your sentiment and I truly hope that at the end of this they remain a favored family in the Black community. I truly do... That being said...


Welcome aboard My Friend! Still one your most avid supporters and still following your lead of "getting in the way!"


Respectfully,
Helen L. Higginbotham, Esq/MBA


PS. Would love to do lunch again... My treat!


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