The Edmund Pettus Bridge - which in 2013 was declared a National Historic Landmark - isn't symbolic of the Civil War in a meaningful way. It is, however, the modern-day battlefield where the voting rights movement was born.
Douglas BrinkleyRead
One thing 'not right' on the 50th anniversary of the Selma marches is the sad fact that the Edmund Pettus Bridge hasn't been renamed the John Lewis Bridge.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the need for recognition of civil rights leaders by suggesting a fitting tribute through renaming a significant landmark.
Douglas Brinkley's quote reflects on the importance of honoring John Lewis, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, especially in the context of the Selma marches. The reference to the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a site of historical significance, illustrates a failure to commemorate Lewis's contributions appropriately, suggesting that a name change would serve as a powerful acknowledgment of his legacy and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Themes
Civil RightsRecognitionLegacyHonorJohn LewisEdmund Pettus Bridge
In practice
Example use cases
During a civil rights seminar to emphasize the importance of recognizing historical figures.
More from Douglas Brinkley
All quotes βIt's very important that we keep these special, wild places. It defines the United States. Imagine our country without our national parks and our monuments. Here in California, imagine if you didn't have in Southern Cal the Channel Islands or the great Highway 1, Big Sur up to Point Reyes up to the Redwood country.
Douglas BrinkleyRead
It's Nixon who created the Environmental Protection Agency. Clean Air and Water Acts. Endangered Species Act. Promoted affirmative action. One could go on and on with Nixon as a New Deal liberal on domestic policy and a hawk, but one with great geo-political skills.
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While the old spiritual 'Slavery Chain Done Broke at Last' was sung by blacks in the hours following the Appomattox surrender, racism sadly continues to be a crippling national scourge.
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When we settled our country, the dark forest was considered in some ways evil and something that you needed to plow or, later, bulldoze. We now have a new understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for bird flyways and why all species matter.
Douglas BrinkleyRead
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