Third in a Series on the Federation of Southern Cooperatives
At its 50th Anniversary celebration in Birmingham,
Alabama, earlier this year, Congressman John Lewis provided a fitting tribute
to the Federation of Southern Cooperatives and its essential contribution to
the economic justice and civil rights in the rural South during the past 50
years. I was fortunate to be present at the celebration and (a little
belatedly) realized I could capture the moment on video if I acted quickly.
What follows is my attempt to preserve for history Lewis’s powerful remarks of
congratulation and encouragement to the Federation’s members and staff. Also
included below is the tribute Lewis provided for our commemorative booklet.
Congressman John Lewis addressing a Federation Annual Meeting in the 1980s. Lewis has had a long and storied history with the Federation.
Congressman Lewis had direct involvement in the Federation’s
start, as he notes early in his remarks (which we enter “in media res” as they say),
making a “small grant” to the fledgling organization while working for the Southern
Regional Council as part of the Community Organization Project. During this short video, Lewis also tells his now-famous (and hilarious) chicken story. Take a look and a listen …
In Part II of his presentation (less than 2 minutes), Congressman Lewis exhorts the audience to “never give up” and to continue supporting the Federation’s mission and work. He also gives a nice shout-out to A. Phillip Randolph.
