John Lewis was a key leader in the American Civil Rights Movement, known for his dedication to justice, equality, and fighting for what’s right. His words and actions have inspired people for generations, urging them to stand up, be brave, and make a difference.
Whether it’s his famous call to get into “good trouble” or his wisdom on the fight for equality, John Lewis quotes and sayings continue to encourage us to take action and believe in a better future. In this post, we’ll look at some of his most powerful quotations that remind us to never stop pushing for change.
Top 10 John Lewis Quotes
- “We must be headlights and not taillights.” — John Lewis
john lewis quotations - “The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have.” — John Lewis
john lewis quote - “You must be bold, brave, and courageous and find a way… to get in the way.” — John Lewis
john lewis quotes - “Too many of us still believe our differences define us.” — John Lewis
famous Quotes by John Lewis - “If not us, then who. If not now, then when.” — John Lewis
john lewis famous quotes - “Never give up. Never give in. Never become hostile… Hate is too big a burden to bear.” — John Lewis
john r lewis quotes - “When people tell me nothing has changed, I say come walk in my shoes and I will show you change.” — John Lewis
- “You are the light. Never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light.” — John Lewis
quotes by john lewis - “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble. necessary trouble.” — John Lewis
john lewis good trouble quote
Best John Lewis Quotes
- “Be hopeful. Be optimistic. Never lose that sense of hope.” — John Lewis
- “You have to be optimistic in order to continue to move forward.” — John Lewis
- “We must continue to go forward as one people, as brothers and sisters.” — John Lewis
- “Know that this transformation will not happen right away. Change often takes time.” — John Lewis
- “The vote is precious. It’s almost sacred, so go out and vote like you never voted before.” — John Lewis
- “Not one of us can rest, be happy, be at home, be at peace with ourselves, until we end hatred and division.” — John Lewis
- “If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.” — John Lewis
- “There is a power that can raise you up even from the lowliest of places and guide you to the forefront of change if you truly want to create a better world.” — John Lewis
- “We are one people, one family, the human family, and what affects one of us affects us all.” — John Lewis
- “Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness.” — John Lewis
Famous Quotes From John Lewis
- “We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.” — John Lewis
- “Never become bitter, and in the process, be happy and just go for it.” — John Lewis
- “The scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.” — John Lewis
- “Some of us gave a little blood for the right to participate in the democratic process.” — John Lewis
- “If you live as if you’re already in that one community, one family, one house – for you it is already there.” — John Lewis
- “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” — John Lewis
- “You cannot be afraid to speak up and speak out for what you believe. You have to have courage, raw courage.” — John Lewis
- “You have to tell the whole truth, the good and the bad, maybe some things that are uncomfortable for some people.” — John Lewis
- “It is only through examining history that you become aware of where you stand within the continuum of change.” — John Lewis
- “I believe in freedom of speech, but I also believe that we have an obligation to condemn speech that is racist, bigoted, anti-Semitic, or hateful.” — John Lewis
- “Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.” — John Lewis
- “I truly believe that one day we will get there, we will arrive. And if we do it right in America, maybe, just maybe, we can serve as a model for the rest of the world.” — John Lewis
- “What I try to tell young people is that if you come together with a mission, and it is grounded with love and a sense of community, you can make the impossible possible.” — John Lewis
Conclusion
John Lewis’s legacy goes far beyond his work in the Civil Rights Movement. His words continue to inspire people to stand up, speak out, and fight for a fairer world. He taught us that real change requires sacrifice and that sometimes we have to make “good trouble” to push for progress.
His wisdom reminds us that each of us has the power to make a difference.
In his book “Across That Bridge,” Lewis shares even more insights on courage, activism, and hope, offering a guide for anyone looking to build a more just and equal society. His life and words will continue to guide future generations in the fight for justice.
