February 27, 2017

Alum Matt Bergman ’89 helps bring Congressman John Lewis to the NW

Georgia Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis spent last week in the Pacific Northwest promoting his memoir, the graphic trilogy MARCH.

Georgia Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis spent last week in the Pacific Northwest promoting his memoir, the graphic trilogy MARCH, which was a recent winner of the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. The trip to the region was made possible by the generous contribution of Lewis & Clark Law School distinguished alum Matthew Bergman ’89. Bergman, a well-known lawyer representing asbestos victims, is a member of the law school’s Board of Visitors and was presented with the Distinguished Alumni award in 2009.

MARCH tells the story of the civil rights movement through Lewis’ eyes and shares important lessons about nonviolent activism and empowerment. During the book tour, Lewis gave a special presentation to Seattle area youth at the Seattle Art Museum along with the co-creators of the novel, writer Andrew Aydin and artist Nate Powell. The event, titled Migrations & Marches, was presented as an educational opportunity for regional youth and their families.

In 2008, Lewis gave the commencement speech at Lewis & Clark Law School where he told graduates to “stand up and speak and speak out and defend the rights of all humankind,” a similar message to what he shared with the audience in Seattle.