In The Presence of A Legend

I've had a lot of great days in D.C. thus far. But today was probably the most meaningful and the most memorable for a number of different reasons. First off, I got off work early for the first time! I almost didn't know what to do with myself! Unfortunately, due to bad weather, my early day wasn't exactly productive. The other interns and I had planned to make a day trip over to Georgetown, but we were NOT trying to get soaking wet while doing it. It's all good though; we'll postpone it for another time!

 Oh, hey! From your favorite interns. I love this girl right here!

After a couple hours of rest and relaxation in my apartment, I headed back down to the National Archives and met up with my friends Alex and Thomas to go see Congressman John Lewis. In case y'all aren't brushed up on your history, Congressman Lewis is the ONLY surviving speaker from the March on Washington in 1963 (and the youngest, as well). He served as the the chairman of SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). And since 1987, he has served as the House Representative for Georgia's 5th District--which includes Atlanta and surrounding areas.

The Congressman was absolutely wonderful! He talked a lot about his work in the Civil Rights Movement, his relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. among others, and how he was able to overcome his personal fears. He had an incredible memory; he frequently recalled specific dates and places of significant events. He even cracked a couple of jokes here and there. But he was also very honest when speaking about the challenges the United States faces today. He called for the President and Congress to come together and pass immigration reform, calling it one of the biggest injustices still remaining in our country. Needless to say, I will never forget this night. The night I was in the presence of a living legend. For without the work of Congressman Lewis, Martin Luther King, Diane Nash and many others, I would not be who I am and where I am today. And for that, I am incredibly thankful for their courage and strength to love even in the midst of so much hatred.

 

 Congressman John Lewis! He was terrific.

 And again, the Congressman!

Oh, and I even got a little keepsake! It wasn't free, unfortunately, but it was definitely worth the dollars. I bought a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by the Congressman himself (or one of his staffers but close enough).

  Signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation! Cool, huh?

And now, I am currently watching Game One of the NBA Finals. I'm excited but a little sad because it means the end of basketball is drawing near. I really need to get into baseball or else I'm going to be miserable before football picks back up. But anyways, I have the Spurs in 6. Call me basic or predictable or whatever, but I just don't see Wade and Bosh being able to give LeBron enough help all series. But hey, it doesn't hurt to have the MVP on your side. And as much as I don't care for Tony Parker, the man is a future Hall of Famer playing some great basketball right now. Parker paired with the ageless Tim Duncan and the genius that is Gregg Popovich makes a deadly combination. I guess we will have to see. 

Take care everyone! And again, thanks for the support. Love you guys!