"One School, One Book" Project

Please come to the

Ocean City High School Library/Media Center for a Book Discussion

7 PM  Thursday, February 26, 2004 

Dr. John Pesda, Professor of History & Economics will lead the Discussion

The topic: "John Lewis"

by Teresa Carpenter, From the book: Profiles in Courage for Our Time, Edited by Caroline Kennedy

Refreshments will be served

Free of Charge but please RSVP 399-1290 x 222


Prepare yourself for the discussion by reviewing the following questions:

Discussion questions for "John Lewis" by Teresa Carpenter in Profiles in Courage for Our Time, Edited by Caroline Kennedy. New York: Hyperion, 2002. Questions courtesy of Dr. John Pesda.

1. Considering John Lewis' background and his personality, what do you think enabled him to become a leader of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s?

2. What dangers did Freedom Riders and other civil rights workers face in the South? How effective were the tactics of the civil rights advocates and how successful were they in overcoming the opposition?

3. In what ways do you think Lewis' insistence on preserving his personal principles caused him to come into conflict with politicians and others in the civil rights movement?

4. Based on the chapter, how much credit is given to President Kennedy and President Johnson for contributions to the Civil Rights Movement? Would you agree that the credit assigned to each was accurate?

5. What made it possible for John Lewis to win a seat in the House of Representatives against a much better known opponent?