John Lewis is a very strong man. REP. JOHN LEWIS AND ATTACKER RECEIVE COMMON GROUND AWARD

[Botany]

https://johnlewis.house.gov/press-release/rep-john-lewis-and-attacker-receive-common-ground-award

In May 1961 Elwin Wilson was part of a mob that attacked John Lewis and other Freedom Riders for entering the waiting area of a bus station in Rock Hill, SC marked "Whites Only." Forty-eight years later, in January 2009, the men met again, this time in John Lewis's congressional office. Wilson expressed remorse for his life-long racial hatred and for having participated in beating Lewis. Congressman Lewis accepted the apology and offered his forgiveness without hesitation.

The two men hope that their reconciliation will inspire others who took part in Civil Rights-era violence to come forward, and that others will work to heal wounds of racism in the United States. John Lewis has served as U.S. Representative of Georgia's Fifth Congressional District since 1986. He was a member of the Freedom Riders and was a national leader of the Civil Rights Movement.

Elwin Hope Wilson has lived in Rock Hill, South Carolina for most of his life. He served in the U.S. Army, and worked as a welder and heavy equipment officer for many years. Wilson, who once took part in KKK activities, now speaks out against racial bigotry and intolerance.

snip

"I was gratified when Elwin Wilson said he wanted to meet me and apologize. In all my years, no one who has ever attacked me has offered an olive branch. What he did took courage, and I respect his continued efforts to try to heal the divide caused by racial hatred and violence."

[awoke_in_2003]

1. John Lewis is a good man

If he can forgive, so can we. K&R

[Glorfindel]

2. A motto I try to live by: "There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness"

I think Congressman Lewis exemplifies the very best in humanity. I am glad that I have never been faced with that situation. I hope I could have the grace and courage to forgive as Rep. Lewis did.