"If this means a lot to you, do not give up. Hold your ground. A person with conviction can change the world."
-John Lewis on ARTHUR
KLRN honors the memory of the late John Lewis. John Lewis was one of the most prominent activists in the Civil Rights Movement. Starting from an early age, and throughout his life, he stood up and spoke out against injustices in the world.
He made change by nonviolent means, and did not back away from doing what was right, even when he suffered for doing so. In the resources that follow, you can learn more about how John Lewis championed for human rights. In this Story Corps recording from 2018, hear John Lewis speak about his life, his experiences, and the importance of getting into what he called "good trouble, necessary trouble".
Use these resources from KLRN and PBS LearningMedia to help your students explore the life and legacy of John Lewis. Scroll to find resources appropriate for your grade level.
Video Resources
- John Lewis: Get in the way
Follow the journey of civil rights hero, congressman and human rights champion John Lewis. At the Selma March, Lewis came face-to-face with club-wielding troopers and exemplified non-violence. - American Experience - Freedom Riders
Freedom Riders is the powerful harrowing and ultimately inspirational story of six months in 1961 that changed America forever.
Resources for Students Pre-K to 2nd Grade
- Arthur Takes a Stand video
Arthur thinks that Mrs. MacGrady is being treated in an unfair manner and seeks guidance from Congressman John Lewis. Pair this episode with the - Arthur: All About Community
In this collection you can find civics resources for young learners to become active and engaged citizens.
Resources for Grades 6-12
- Freedom Riders
John Lewis was among the 13 original Freedom Riders who encountered violence and resistance as they rode buses across the South, challenging the nation’s segregation laws. Use this AMERICAN EXPERIENCE resource to teach students about the civil rights activists who helped change our history. Don't miss the full-length Freedom Riders, now streaming! - John Lewis’ Speech | The March
Watch footage from The March’s official program, including John Lewis’ (of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) speech. The powerful speech made by the SNCC chairman highlighted the unfair plight of working-class Blacks across the nation. - John Lewis: Get in the Way
This study guide uses hands-on activities to promote critical thinking about themes. Explore the work and legacy of Lewis and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and deepen your student's understanding of the Civil Rights Movement through a youth-centric Educator Guide. Grades 6-12
Resources for Students Grades 9-12
Civil Rights Activist John Lewis: Looking Back
Student activist Jonathan Butler and Congressman John Lewis sit down to discuss the Eyes on the Prize series and the Civil Rights Movement. Lewis offers advice for today’s young activists, encouraging them to study the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement and to speak out whenever they see injustice. This resource is part of the Civil Rights: Then and Now collection.