“The People Speak” and the buds of activism in Atlanta
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Congressman John Lewis talks about Zinn’s influence on his role as president of the SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) in the mid-1960s.
Atlanta ONE white-banded 600 festival-goers at the opening night ceremonies of the Atlanta Film Festival on April 16, who each received an “activist’s goodie bag” during the event. The evening was co-sponsored by Amnesty International and featured the world premiere of the documentary film, “The People Speak,” based on the writings of historian and civil rights/peace activist Howard Zinn. While not directly focused on issues of global poverty, the film itself, featuring readings by Viggo Mortensen, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, and others, demonstrated how the power of ONE voice is strong enough to change the course of history.
Activism begins with ONE person, but ONE + ONE + ONE + ONE = a movement. On-hand at the premiere were Zinn, producer Chris Moore, Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), actor Josh Brolin, musician Eddie Vedder, and others.
-Kristi York Wooten
Photo credit: Angela Harvey
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April 23, 2009 at 4:21 pm
So very good to see Rep. John Lewis in the ONE Blog! If we want to talk about heroism in the face of repression – it’s John Lewis.
If we want to talk about someone who has been on the frontline of social & economic justice – it’s John Lewis.
If we want to talk about someone who epitomizes the courage & dignity in the African spirit (no matter where it rests in the world) – it’s John Lewis.
Thanks for bringing this man of Peace & Justice into the ONE Blog – we need to hear more from Rep. Lewis in the future!
ALWAYS ONE in the Spirit, debbie
http://www.myspace.com/mulago
April 24, 2009 at 10:05 am
Definitely a fun evening! I had a chance to have a brief chat with Congressman Lewis. He is indeed a champion of social justice.
April 24, 2009 at 10:09 am
Got a chance to speak to Eddie Vedder for a few moments. He’d never heard of the ONE Campaign!! We got lotsa work to do!