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Analyzing Primary Sources: Two Versions Of John Lewis Speech

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Maxen Yuzon History 205: Protests of the 1960s Dr. Threlkeld January 19th, 2023 Analyzing Primary sources: Two Versions of John Lewis’ Speech What does this source tell us about the past? The March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom held on August 28th, 1963 had a total of eighteen speakers, including association presidents, chairmen, and religious leaders all united in one march pushing for the civil rights bill. Each of the speakers was from a different organization, association, religious background, and age, the most famous speech being Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Perhaps, out of all the speakers, the biggest example of the younger generation's voice in “The March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom” was John Lewis’ …show more content…

While the ideals of the younger generation took a backseat in the March on Washington, Lewis’ speech used language and tone that was much more representative of what the younger generation and SNCC stood for. Lewis wrote in the initial draft: “The revolution is a serious one. Mr. Kennedy is trying to take the revolution out of the streets and put it into the courts” (Lewis, 1963). In the original draft of the speech written for the march, Lewis addresses President Kennedy and politicians, asking them to listen to their statements then suggests that there will be no “cooling off” period. It was a concern of the older generation including A. Philip Randolph and Dr. Martin Luther King, that directly calling out President Kennedy and other politicians in such a manner, would lead to a different reaction from those in attendance and watching around the world. Using the context of the interview given in 2013, Lewis discussed a conversation with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in which he told Lewis the initial draft “didn’t sound like [him]” (Lewis, 2013). These sections were removed from the speech actually given by Lewis, demonstrating the importance of their language and how speakers addressed those who had the power to make necessary changes. Lewis removed this section out of respect for those who had more experience than himself, while also in an effort to stay united with the tone and language of the speakers at the march. While it wasn’t thought to be productive enough for the march's goal by those who suggested edits and revisions, the urgency stressed by SNCC aligned with what Lewis

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