We come to Selma to be renewed. We come to be inspired. We come to be reminded that we must do the work that justice and equality calls us to do.

The quote, "We come to Selma to be renewed. We come to be inspired. We come to be reminded that we must do the work that justice and equality calls us to do," comes from John Lewis, a prominent civil rights leader, congressman, and activist. Lewis was a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement and one of the original Freedom Riders. This statement reflects his enduring commitment to the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, particularly in the context of the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965, a pivotal event in the fight for voting rights for African Americans.

In this quote, Lewis speaks about the significance of Selma, which holds deep historical importance as the site of violent resistance against peaceful protestors demanding voting rights. For Lewis and many others, Selma became a symbol of both the struggle and the resilience of the African American community in the fight for civil rights. The quote speaks to the sense of renewal and inspiration that participants in the marches felt when they gathered in Selma, as it served as both a reminder of how far they had come and the work that still needed to be done.

Lewis emphasizes that the struggle for justice is ongoing. The marchers, by coming together in Selma, were not only honoring the sacrifices of those who had fought before them but were also reaffirming their commitment to the fight for equality. The quote reflects his belief that social justice requires continuous effort and that every generation must renew its commitment to this work. The call to "do the work" underscores that activism and change require action, not just reflection or commemoration.

Ultimately, the quote is a call to action. It reminds us that the fight for justice and equality is not finished and that each of us must take responsibility for continuing that work. For John Lewis, Selma represented both a historical milestone and a living reminder of the moral duty we all have to fight for a society where freedom, dignity, and equal rights are fully realized for all people.