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From our Co-Artistic Director, Linda Yudin remembering US Representative John Lewis:
In 2018 a week before Viver Brasil participated in the 53rd anniversary of the Selma Bridge Crossing’s Bloody Sunday, we heard stories from a Birmingham elder about the horrendous ways in which the system discouraged Black people from registering to vote after the Voting Rights Act was passed on August 6, 1965. Our friend shared that that one way in which to prevent registration was to require Black people to guess the correct number of marbles in a bowl. An impossible task. If you didn’t guess the correct answer, you were told to go home. Unconscionable and true. She touched me very deeply with her many stories as she cited the deep dark racism our country served up then and continues to do so.
Viver Brasil returned in 2020 for our second Bridge crossing once again. This year, we were surrounded by youth as we crossed with our Bloco Afro dance and music and it was equally transformative. The warmth and verve of these young folks embraced us. Perhaps it was the wisdom that the drums and dance provide which attracted them to move so closely with us.
Without Representative John Lewis’ (of blessed memory) relentless belief that we MUST change our country’s deep wrongdoings, and that “getting into good trouble” is necessary. Because of his courage in 1965, before and beyond, we were able to thoughtfully and freely cross the Bridge with these fine young folks, amongst thousands of others. We have not solved voter oppression and we must. And now it is we who will fervently and actively work to continue to make systemic changes. Doing things differently that was John Lewis’ way.
From company member Shelby Williams-Gonzalez:
“John Lewis lived a life of purpose. He fought for others even when his body was beaten and he did so on the ground and in office. He did so in a way that invited other in, inspired others to continue. So now, he can rest and we will carry his work forward.”
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