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SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Students at Savannah State University (SSU) commemorated Black History Month with an engaging exhibit dedicated to the life and legacy of Georgia Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis. The event, held on Friday, offered a dynamic portrayal of Lewis’s impactful journey in the fight for equality.
Through performances, students depicted various stages of Lewis’s life, emphasizing his instrumental role in the Civil Rights Movement. Renowned for his relentless pursuit of social justice and vocal opposition to racial injustice, Lewis’s contributions left an indelible mark on American history.
Lewis was a pivotal participant in the Nashville Sit-ins and famously took part in the 1963 March on Washington, events that were crucial to the progress of civil rights.
“He ensured that the fundamental human and civil rights deserved by all Americans were upheld,” remarked Kareem McMicheal, Co-Director of the Savannah Black Heritage Festival. “Even until his passing, he continued to advocate for these rights while serving in public office.”
To honor Lewis’s profound influence, SSU students organized “A Walk to Freedom,” an interactive maze exhibit that highlighted significant moments from his life.
“We have his beginning as he grew up in a very small town,” student Chrys Brown said. “Then later on he meets Dr. King and then we have the scene where we are talking about protesting. Then we have a dinner scene where it shows the protests of the sit-ins.”
The final scene was a call to action, spreading the message voices have power. Organizers said what Lewis fought is still prevalent to this day.
“I think about what he said, good trouble,” McMicheal said. “Why you’re possible getting in trouble for things that you’re doing, but you’re fighting against injustice, you’re fighting against racism, you fight against sexism and oppression. I think that spirit and that fire that he stood for, it is what people are still resonating with today.”
The Savannah Black Heritage Festival is hosting a “Forged by Fire” event at the Beach Institute Saturday Feb. 28 to close out black history month. For a full schedule of events hosted by the Savannah Black Heritage Festival click here.