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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Across That Bridge summary
A Vision for Change and the Future of America
21 mins
Brief summary
Across That Bridge by John Lewis is a memoir that shares the power of peaceful protesting. Lewis shares his civil rights movement stories along with the importance of love and nonviolence in today's world.
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Across That Bridge
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The civil rights movement shows how nothing can stop the power of people determined to make a difference.
On March 7, 1965, John Lewis led a group of peaceful protestors onto the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. He and the other activists planned on marching to the state capitol as a protest against voter discrimination. But as he came to the top of the bridge, hundreds of Alabama state troopers – and deputized citizens – came into view. The troopers and the enraged posse, armed with firearms, tear gas, and nightsticks, had no intention of letting the protestors get through.
Dozens of peaceful demonstrators were brutally beaten, and several were hospitalized. Lewis himself suffered a fractured skull and bore scars for the rest of his life.
It was one of the darkest episodes of the American civil rights movement. But for Lewis, all of the uncertainty and suffering was worth it. Since that awful day, America has made great progress toward bridging its racial divide. And the movement set a precedent for meeting today’s challenges.
The key message here is: The civil rights movement shows how nothing can stop the power of people determined to make a difference.
The civil rights movement was just one step on the long road to America’s spiritual destiny. The work is far from done.
Lewis, who later became a US representative, believed that our modern era has been marked by a unique hostility. At times, for him, the rancor seemed even worse than it was in the 1960s.
Remember when we thought Barack Obama’s 2008 election meant we’d entered a post-racial America? No one believes that anymore. Not in the wake of attempts to ruin the president’s legacy, militarize the police, and weaponize the government to serve as an agent of oppression. In fact, the lowest point of decorum that Lewis ever witnessed was during a State of the Union address when President Obama was called a liar.
But people seem to be waking up. They’re reengaging with their responsibility for the democratic process. They’re remembering, or realizing for the first time, that we are one family, one people. This reawakening reminded Lewis of the civil rights movement – the mighty wind that blew through America and transformed the moral character of the nation.
This history is an important reminder that things may seem dark, like they did when Lewis stood on top of that bridge. But these dark times are really just a starting point for something better.
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What is Across That Bridge about?
Across That Bridge (2017) is a poignant account from one of America’s most powerful activists on the qualities that protestors need to embody to bring about lasting change. Activists in the US and all over the world look to the American civil rights movement of the 1960s for inspiration on how to challenge injustice. Here, Lewis uses personal recollections – from freedom rides to bus boycotts to the March on Washington – to impart lessons about nonviolent protest to the next generation of dreamers.
Across That Bridge Review
Across That Bridge (2012) by John Lewis is a thought-provoking exploration of the civil rights movement and the challenges that faced America in the past and still linger today. This book is definitely worth reading because:
- It provides insights into the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights era, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for creating positive change in our own lives.
- With personal anecdotes, historical facts, and reflections on justice, equality, and love, it stimulates deep contemplation and meaningful conversations.
- Through its powerful storytelling and wisdom, the book captivates readers, enabling them to better understand the long journey towards a more equitable society.
Who should read Across That Bridge?
- Anyone who wants to speak truth to power
- People inspired by the historic victories of the civil rights movement
- Those interested in nonviolent communication
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Across That Bridge FAQs
What is the main message of Across That Bridge?
The main message of Across That Bridge is the power of embracing love, forgiveness, and nonviolence to create lasting change.
How long does it take to read Across That Bridge?
The reading time for Across That Bridge varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Across That Bridge a good book? Is it worth reading?
Across That Bridge is a compelling book that highlights the importance of love, justice, and activism. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Across That Bridge?
The author of Across That Bridge is John Lewis.
What to read after Across That Bridge?
If you're wondering what to read next after Across That Bridge, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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