"Dawning on America: The Enduring Spirit of John Lewis"
The life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis, a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, is captured with breathtaking candor in Dawn Porter's powerful documentary "John Lewis: Good Trouble." This film, which chronicles 80-year-old Lewis's six-decade-long crusade for justice, equality, and human rights, reminds us that even as we face seemingly insurmountable odds, one person can make a difference.
Born on February 21, 1940, in Troy, Alabama, to a sharecropping family, Lewis grew up amidst the brutal realities of racism. Yet, his unyielding resolve, fueled by his faith and a deep sense of purpose, propelled him into activism at just 15 years old, following Martin Luther King Jr.'s inspiring sermon on "Paul's Letter to American Christians." The documentary skillfully weaves archival footage, photographs, and intimate interviews with Lewis to reveal the arc of his remarkable life.
From leading sit-ins to integrate lunch counters in the South, to participating in the Freedom Riders' protests against segregation on public buses and terminals, Lewis's courage is palpable. At 23, he was the youngest speaker at the iconic March on Washington, and his work as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee earned him a reputation as a tireless advocate for justice.
Despite facing unimaginable challenges, including brutal beatings during the Selma to Montgomery marches, Lewis persevered, driven by his mantra: "When you see something that's not right, say something, do something. Get in trouble: good trouble, necessary trouble." His unwavering commitment earned him 33 years of service in Congress and a reputation as one of America's most courageous leaders.
The film offers a refreshing alternative to traditional civil rights documentaries, which often focus on noble politicians rather than the man himself. Porter skillfully captures Lewis's complexities, revealing a dry wit and scowling demeanor that give way to an electrifying smile when he laughs. His presence is felt in every room, as he shares stories of his family, including his late wife Lillian Miles, who inspired his art collection.
From fighting for the right to vote to witnessing the undoing of Obama's legacy, Lewis has seen it all. The documentary offers a poignant reminder that even as we face an uncertain future, one thing remains constant: our collective responsibility to demand fairness and equality.
As Lewis so eloquently puts it, "One of my greatest fears... is one day we wake up and our democracy is gone." In these trying times, "John Lewis: Good Trouble" serves as a timely reminder that we must show up for justice, hope, and the dream of every American. This powerful documentary will leave you inspired to be fearlessly optimistic, even in the face of adversity.
"Good Trouble: John Lewis" is now streaming on Hulu, offering a testament to the enduring power of one man's unwavering commitment to creating a more just society.
The life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis, a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, is captured with breathtaking candor in Dawn Porter's powerful documentary "John Lewis: Good Trouble." This film, which chronicles 80-year-old Lewis's six-decade-long crusade for justice, equality, and human rights, reminds us that even as we face seemingly insurmountable odds, one person can make a difference.
Born on February 21, 1940, in Troy, Alabama, to a sharecropping family, Lewis grew up amidst the brutal realities of racism. Yet, his unyielding resolve, fueled by his faith and a deep sense of purpose, propelled him into activism at just 15 years old, following Martin Luther King Jr.'s inspiring sermon on "Paul's Letter to American Christians." The documentary skillfully weaves archival footage, photographs, and intimate interviews with Lewis to reveal the arc of his remarkable life.
From leading sit-ins to integrate lunch counters in the South, to participating in the Freedom Riders' protests against segregation on public buses and terminals, Lewis's courage is palpable. At 23, he was the youngest speaker at the iconic March on Washington, and his work as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee earned him a reputation as a tireless advocate for justice.
Despite facing unimaginable challenges, including brutal beatings during the Selma to Montgomery marches, Lewis persevered, driven by his mantra: "When you see something that's not right, say something, do something. Get in trouble: good trouble, necessary trouble." His unwavering commitment earned him 33 years of service in Congress and a reputation as one of America's most courageous leaders.
The film offers a refreshing alternative to traditional civil rights documentaries, which often focus on noble politicians rather than the man himself. Porter skillfully captures Lewis's complexities, revealing a dry wit and scowling demeanor that give way to an electrifying smile when he laughs. His presence is felt in every room, as he shares stories of his family, including his late wife Lillian Miles, who inspired his art collection.
From fighting for the right to vote to witnessing the undoing of Obama's legacy, Lewis has seen it all. The documentary offers a poignant reminder that even as we face an uncertain future, one thing remains constant: our collective responsibility to demand fairness and equality.
As Lewis so eloquently puts it, "One of my greatest fears... is one day we wake up and our democracy is gone." In these trying times, "John Lewis: Good Trouble" serves as a timely reminder that we must show up for justice, hope, and the dream of every American. This powerful documentary will leave you inspired to be fearlessly optimistic, even in the face of adversity.
"Good Trouble: John Lewis" is now streaming on Hulu, offering a testament to the enduring power of one man's unwavering commitment to creating a more just society.
️ America needs more people like John Lewis 
! He showed us that even if you're young & fierce, you can make a real difference 
! From sit-ins to Congress, he never backed down from fightin' for what's right 
. We need more courage & conviction in our leaders 
. This doco is a must-watch for anyone who cares about justice & equality 
this doc is like, really deep you know? it's not just about john lewis's life story, but also about the struggles he faced and how they shaped him into the person he became. his message of doing good trouble, necessary trouble, is still so relevant today 
. it's crazy to think that this man was beaten, arrested, and even shot for fighting for what's right, yet he kept going 
. the film does an amazing job of capturing his complexities, from his wit to his heart 
. it's not just a doc about history, but also about hope and resilience 
he was literally fighting for our rights when most ppl were just living their lives oblivious to whats going on. his courage is insane, i mean 15 yrs old already leading protests? that's dedication 
. What struck me most was Lewis's unshakeable conviction in the face of overwhelming adversity 
. The film also skillfully subverts traditional narratives around civil rights leaders, instead centering Lewis's humanity and vulnerability 
. In an era marked by polarized discourse and rising tensions, "John Lewis: Good Trouble" offers a much-needed injection of moral clarity and empathy 
! You know how people say they're gonna change the world and then nothing happens? Not this dude tho 
. The way they made it, with all that archival footage & interviews, really makes you feel like you're experiencing his story firsthand 
. The way it showcases his courage and conviction is truly inspiring, and I love how it humanizes him beyond just the politician role. His mantra "good trouble" resonates so deeply with me too - we all need to be willing to take a stand and make some noise when we see injustice 
. What I admire most about this docu is that it's not just about John Lewis, but also about the power of collective action and responsibility 
. It's like he always said, "when you see something that's not right, say something, do something"... let's all take a page out of his book 
and it completely blew my mind i mean what even is the physics behind how they can do that kinda magic? also has anyone tried making homemade cat toys out of cardboard boxes? 
.
. The way they captured his spirit and perseverance is super inspiring 
! And can we talk about his "good trouble" mantra? 
fighting for equality & justice since he was 15 
his mantra "good trouble" is everything we need more of in today's world 