Main Idea
What is the overall message of John Lewis’ speech?
The speech calls for immediate civil rights action and criticizes gradual change: “We do not want our freedom gradually, but we want to be free now!”
Find a sentence that shows Lewis’ frustration with slow progress.
To those who have said, ‘Be patient and wait,’ we have long said that we cannot be patient.”
Why did Lewis give this speech at the March on Washington?
To demand civil rights legislation and call for action: “We march today for jobs and freedom.”
Identify a metaphor in the speech.
“We shall splinter the segregated South into a thousand pieces and put them together in the image of God and democracy.”
What modern movements connect to Lewis’ call for activism?
Black Lives Matter, voting rights advocacy, and protests for racial justice.
How does Lewis describe the economic struggles of African Americans?
He highlights low wages and poverty, saying: “There are sharecroppers in the Delta of Mississippi who are out in the fields working for less than three dollars a day.”
What evidence does Lewis use to describe police brutality?
“What did the federal government do when local police officials kicked and assaulted the pregnant wife of Slater King, and she lost her baby?”
What emotion does Lewis want to evoke in his audience?
Urgency and determination: “We are tired of being beaten by policemen. We are tired of seeing our people locked up in jail over and over again.”
How does Lewis use repetition to emphasize his message?
He repeats “We want our freedom, and we want it now” to reinforce urgency.
What does Lewis mean when he says, "Wake up, America!"?
He is calling for national awareness and action.
What does Lewis mean by “We are involved in a serious social revolution”?
He argues that America is at a turning point, where people must choose between justice and oppression.
Which phrase best supports the idea that voting rights are essential?
“One man, one vote is the African cry. It is ours too. It must be ours!”
How does Lewis criticize politicians in his speech?
He calls out hypocrisy in both political parties: “For the party of Kennedy is also the party of Eastland. The party of Javits is also the party of Goldwater.”
What does “splinter the segregated South into a thousand pieces” mean?
Breaking apart segregation through activism.
How does this speech remain relevant today?
It highlights ongoing racial injustice and the importance of activism.
Find a quote where Lewis explains the urgency of civil rights change.
"How long can we be patient? We want our freedom, and we want it now.”
How does Lewis use statistics to support his argument?
“There are sharecroppers in the Delta of Mississippi who are out in the fields working for less than three dollars a day, twelve hours a day.”
What does Lewis mean when he says, “We cannot be patient”?
He refuses to accept gradual change and demands immediate justice: “We do not want our freedom gradually, but we want to be free now!”
Find an example of a rhetorical question and explain its purpose.
“Where is the political party that will make it unnecessary to march on Washington?”—Used to challenge the government’s inaction.
What laws were passed after this speech?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped secure legal equality.
How does Lewis connect the Civil Rights Movement to the ideals of the American Revolution?
Get in and stay in the streets of every city... until the revolution of 1776 is complete.”
What is the strongest piece of evidence in the speech, and why?
We do not want to go to jail. But we will go to jail if this is the price we must pay for love, brotherhood, and true peace.”
How does Lewis call people to action in this speech?
He urges direct involvement: “Get in and stay in the streets of every city, every village and hamlet of this nation until true freedom comes.”
How does Lewis use imagery to describe injustice?
“They are receiving starvation wages or no wages at all.”
How did Lewis’ speech challenge the federal government?
He questioned why the government failed to protect activists: “But what did the federal government do when Albany’s deputy sheriff beat Attorney C.B. King and left him half-dead?”