Thread by @CMichaelHuntley

In 2017 while working for @RepBarbaraLee I hopped on a train to Baltimore for the progressive caucus conference. After hustling to find a seat, I looked to my right and saw @RepJohnLewis quietly nibbling on his breakfast.

#JohnLewis

So many questions flooded my head, I mean I was going to be sitting next to a civil rights icon for 45 whole minutes. Should I let him be? Did he think Trump was Bull Connor 2.0? So many questions.

#JohnLewis

I waited until he finished his breakfast (home training) then leaned over and introduced myself. He waved me over so I jumped into the seat next to him geeked af. I couldn't believe it was actually happening!

#JohnLewis

My great-grandfather marched in the March on Washington, my grandfather preached about good trouble more times than I can remember. And this Black boy from Albany, New York was now chopping it up with John Lewis? Man, I was hype.

#JohnLewis

I kept my composure, told him how much I admired him and the fighters who came before us. He smiled and asked questions about my life and where I was headed. I asked a ton of questions too, but there was one exchange that stuck with me.

#JohnLewis

Congressman, I remember asking: “Is my generation carrying the torch forward? What can we do better?”

He chuckled, looked out the window then began doting on the power & promise of Black Lives Matter. How refreshing it was to see so many making good trouble.

#JohnLewis

Then he said it: “Ya'll give up too easily. If things don’t go your way you get frustrated and throw your hands in the air. You have to stick it out. Not just for the fights you're in but for the fights and fighters to come” I was floored.

#JohnLewis

But he was right. We have to remember to never give up, even when it seems like we’re not making progress. So today as we lay this champion to rest, my commitment is to never stop fighting and always stay in good trouble. Rest in Power, King. We'll keep pressing on.

#JohnLewis