Marching Forward: Congressman John Lewis Keynote Presentation

Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell, co-authors of the graphic novel trilogy MARCH, will give a keynote presentation that included a Q&A and book-signing. March powerfully recounts Lewis's experiences throughout the Civil Rights Movement and has won many awards, including the National Book Award.

This free and public event will be live-streamed and recorded and will offer open seating on a first come, first serve basis (i.e., there will be no tickets).

John Lewis is a civil rights leader and an American politician, serving Georgia's 5th district since 1987. A member of the Democratic party leadership, Lewis has served as Senior Chief Deputy Whip since 2003. Born the son of Alabama sharecroppers, Lewis's childhood was filled with deeply inspirational moments, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. heard on radio broadcasts. As a college student, Lewis's inspiration fueled his commitment to end legalized racial segregation; he was chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and was one of the "Big Six" leaders of groups who organized the 1963 March on Washington. His dedication to the highest ethical standards and moral principles has won Lewis the admiration of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the United States Congress. Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties, and building what he calls "The Beloved Community" in America. Lewis co-wrote his story with his then-Congressional Aid, now Digital Director and Policy Advisor, Andrew Aydin, in the form of the graphic novel trilogy, MARCH (2013). The collaborative work is illustrated by New York Times best-selling graphic novelist Nate Powell.