Freedom Riders 50th Reunion

Early Light was in Jackson Mississippi last week to cover the Return of the Freedom Riders 50th Reunion for our documentary on Congressman John Lewis, one of the Nashville student Freedom Riders in 1961. A highlight of the event was a surprise apology from conservative Republican Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. Here's what the Associated Press had to say:

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has apologized to dozens of civil rights activists who were carted off to the state's notorious Parchman prison in the 1960s for attempting to desegregate interstate travel.

"We apologize to you for your mistreatment in 1961, and we appreciate this chance for atonement and reconciliation," Barbour told the so-called Freedom Riders during a dinner at a Jackson hotel Sunday.

The Freedom Riders, college students and other activists who challenged segregation on commercial bus lines are in Jackson this week to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1961 protest. Barbour is among the leaders hosting them.

At the dinner, Barbour thanked the group for their "courage, your commitment, your sufferings and your sacrifices of 50 years ago." On Monday, the Republican welcomed them at a breakfast at the Governor's Mansion, saying many seemed surprised — yet pleased — by his apology.

"The better question for me is, how could I not apologize," Barbour said. "It is good we are rid of segregation, and we are right grateful for the role you played in helping us get there."

Lewis Leads Civil Rights Pilgrimage

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Rep. John Lewis, Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Bobby, and Rep. Barbara Bell at the Civil Rights Memorial, MontgomeryWe've just completed a weekend of production, covering Congressman Lewis as he led the Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage through Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma.

The pilgrimage is a highlight on the Congressman's calendar and this one was especially meaningful since he was joined by so many of his colleagues including Senator Harry Reid, Senator Tom Harkin, Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Jim Clyburn and John Larson, as well as Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Bobby and Ethel, and Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool of South Africa.

Our production team was warmly received and we videotaped many close exchanges between the Congressman and pilgrimage participants. Given the focus of our documentary, we were happy to find a large contingent of young people on the pilgrimage, mostly outstanding student leaders and the children/grandchildren of participants. Congressman Lewis took special care to spend time with these young people and the resulting moments are especially moving.

We're pleased with how the tape we shot this weekend shows another side of the Congressman: a powerful political figure engaged in a deeply spiritual journey. Please watch our website in the coming weeks where we'll be posting photos and video of a few of the memorable moments.

For more on the documentary, please click here. 

To view a video from the Pilgrimage shoot, please click here. 

John Lewis Receives Medal of Freedom. Watch the Video.

Lewis to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

November 17, 2010. President Barack Obama has named Congressman John Lewis, 5^thDistrict,Georgia, as one of the 15 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  This is the nation's highest civilian award that is presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

"I am deeply moved and gratified by the President's announcement that he will be awarding to me the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a February 2011 ceremony.  I feel more than lucky and very blessed that I have had an opportunity to play a small role in helping create a more perfect union.  Whatever I've been able to do or accomplish, I have done so with the support and encouragement of my family and many friends in the Civil Rights Movement and colleagues in the Congress," said Congressman Lewis.

Early Light continues with production on our feature documentary about Congressman Lewis. 

The White House issued the following statement:

"John Lewis is an American hero and a giant of the Civil Rights Movement.  He served as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), helped organize the first lunch-counter sit-in in 1959 at the age of 19, and was the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington.  In May 1961, he participated in the initial Freedom Ride, during which he endured violent attacks in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Montgomery, Alabama.  In 1964, he helped to coordinate the Mississippi Freedom Project, and, in 1965, he led the Selma-to-Montgomery march to petition for voting rights where marchers were brutally confronted in an incident that became known as "Bloody Sunday."  Eight days later, President Johnson addressed a joint session of Congress, condemned the violence in Selma, and called for passage of the Voting Rights Act, which was enacted within months.  Since 1987, John Lewis has continued his service to the nation as the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th District, which encompasses most of Atlanta." 

Tomorrow is Election Day

Back on the campaign trail filming Congressman John Lewis for our feature documentary. Ever the community organizer, he canvassed Atlanta neighborhoods last weekend, asking for permission to post signs in people's front yards. Permission secured, he got out his hammer and pounded a sign into the ground. One house after the next. One street after the next. Does that sound slow? Tedious? Maybe, but this is what 24 years in the U. S. Congress teaches you to do. 

For you slackers out there who have waited till the last minute to cast your vote, get out there and do it. Don't let the polls dissuade you - every vote counts!