Beginnings
Lewis honed his "concept of justice" in Lawson's meetings. Lewis often asked, “How do you use justice?” and protest became the answer. Though the group, which would evolve into SNCC, grew under Lawson’s leadership, no formal leader was elected, “We were determined leadership would be shared. No one person would hold that title.” |
"How can you claim to love God, who is invisible, if you hate the neighbor who you can see?" (Rev. James Lawson) "Group Effectiveness & Responsibility"
Lewis was involved in the cause to better humanity, “This was about group effectiveness and responsibility, not individual power. That idea alone weeded out a few people right there at the beginning.” It was a community-oriented movement. "We would all take turns in the coming campaigns, at everything from chairing the committee, to being beaten, to going to jail.” |