Arrested Quote by John Lewis
“First time I got arrested, I knew somehow and some way, we would succeed. To go on the Freedom Ride to be beaten and left bloody and unconscious, to be beaten on that bridge in Selma, have a concussion - I thought that I was going to die on that bridge. But somehow and some way, I lived to tell about what happened, and I've seen some of the fruits of the labor of so many people, and people must understand that.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: “Freedom Rides” address, 1965
The narrator recounts a harrowing arrest during the Freedom Ride, surviving severe violence and later witnessing the movement’s impact.
In simple terms: Survived violent oppression and saw progress.
Key Takeaway
Remember resilience can lead to lasting change.
Themes
civil rights
resilience
activism
history
justice
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
historical
motivational
When to use this quote
- protests
- legal battles
- community organizing
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
social movements
personal sacrifice
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates you to continue despite hardship?
- How can we honor those who suffered for progress?
A Different Perspective
Violence can deter participation and cause trauma.
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