It’s time to change our approach to Black History

Our heroic approach has been to primarily concentrate on the heroes and heroines that have carried the torch. Truly, Martin, Malcom and Ms. Rosa Parks are towering figures, but there are tens of thousands of unknown and unsung titans that have changed the course of history.
Lewis first Black lawmaker to lie in state in Capitol Rotunda

Even in death, Congressman John Lewis continues to make history, now being the first Black lawmaker to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda.
IN MEMORIAM: John Lewis, an American Hero and Moral Leader Alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., Dies at 80

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The 1965 Selma march was led by John Lewis. Lewis was perhaps the last remaining voice of moral authority from the civil rights era. Voting rights remains a challenge in the U.S. Lewis was on the front lines of that effort which was resisted by white racists in the South attempting to stifle Black voting power for decades. Lewis’ efforts and the increase in Black voting registration of African Americans in the South changed U.S. politics forever. The power of Black voters was first seen nationally with the election of President Jimmy Carter in 1976.
FILM REVIEW — John Lewis: Civil Rights Lion Gets into Good Trouble in Dawn Porter Documentary

NNPA NEWSWIRE — On what would be called Bloody Sunday, Lewis, who at the time was Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) along with other civil rights lions like Reverend Hosea Williams (SCLC) continued on their march despite then Governor Wallace’s threats and were attacked by the police, sending 58 people to the hospital.
Fight for his life: Rep. John Lewis battling stage 4 cancer

Civil rights icon, Democratic Rep. John Lewis, announced Sunday that he is battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. “So I have decided to do what I know to do and do what I have always done: I am going to fight it and keep fighting for the Beloved Community. We still have many bridges to cross,” Lewis said.