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Remembering Congressman John Lewis
June 20, 2020
Dear Bank Street Community,
As our nation continues to mourn the senseless murders of Black lives at the hands of police, and a pandemic that is disproportionately ravaging communities that are already systematically oppressed, we write to honor the life of Congressman John Lewis, a true beacon of hope and the promise of a better future for our nation. We recognize that his passing is an immeasurable loss, and are grateful that his life inspired countless people to endure in the struggle for racial and economic justice.
The Honorable Congressman represented everything we aspire to be as a society—fearless, compassionate, and moral—qualities that remain at the core of our educational values at Bank Street. But more than just being an emblematic figure, the Congressman was an esteemed member of the Bank Street community, generously participating in the 13/14s study of American Civics every year, both in DC and in NYC. Time after time, he inspired students to “make good trouble, necessary trouble” exemplifying the power of stamina and sacrifice to leave an indelible mark on our country. For the 13/14s, Congressman Lewis was more than a legend, he brought to vivid life a potent ideology of non-violent resistance and proved that the fight for social justice, no matter how difficult and painful, is the most worthy endeavor.
We believe that we are forever a better society as a result of Congressman Lewis’ unwavering commitment to Civil Rights. Further, we know that our students and our community are more inspired, passionate, and empowered because of our partnership with the Honorable Congressman and we are grateful beyond measure. We witnessed the impact he had on students each year, many of whom paid tribute to him in their graduation speeches, highlighting his courageousness in the face of great peril, his steadfast commitment to the power of love, quoting often his personal mantra, “hate is too heavy a burden to bear.”
We hope that you will join us in celebration and appreciation of the decades of his extraordinary work. May we be inspired to continue on his path and help our country grow into a socially just democracy that represents and upholds the rights of those among us facing deep and historically rooted oppression. We implore you to remain steadfast in our collective fight for justice, equality, freedom, and human rights, holding these words of the Honorable John Lewis close, “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime.”
With Sadness and Hope,
Ali McKersie, 13/14s Humanities Teacher
Jo Stein, 13/14s Humanities Teacher
Saara Mahjouri, Upper School Division Head
Doug Knecht, Interim Head of School