Mr. Good Trouble: Honoring the Life and Legacy of John Lewis
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Good Trouble”? For some, you refer to the American drama television series spin-off of the Freeform show The Fosters, now in its fifth season. For others, you think of the life and legacy of the incomparable Rep. John Lewis (1940-2020), an American hero and key figure in some of the most pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement. Both references are relevant today, however, only one was honored by the The U.S. Postal Service with his very own Forever stamp showcasing his portrait.
On July 21, 2023, a dedication ceremony for the stamp was held at Morehouse College, and it’s no surprise that hundreds of John’s family, loved ones, friends and supporters were in attendance, including the mistress of ceremonies, Alfre Woodard, John-Miles Lewis, son of John Lewis, Michael Collins, chair of the board for the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, U.S. Raphael Warnock, Peggy Wallace Kennedy, civil rights activist and author, Bill Campbell, Shirley Franklin, former mayors of Atlanta, and Ronald A. Stroman, a member of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors and dedicating official for the stamp.
“Being on a stamp allows generations of people who may not be familiar with all the work that John has done to relearn John Lewis, relearn the tactics that he used, and relearn how to positively impact the Country,” said Ronald A. Stroman. “The Postal Service is proud to celebrate Lewis — a national treasure — and to honor his legacy with the tribute of this Forever stamp that is as beautiful visually as was the spirit of the man whose image it bears.”
The stamp features a photograph of Lewis taken by Marco Grob for the August 26, 2013, issue of Time Magazine. Lewis’s name is at the bottom of the stamp. The words “USA” and “Forever” appear in the stamp’s top left corner. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.
A key figure in some of the most pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement, John Lewis was the face of the Nashville Student Movement, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, an original Freedom Rider, and one of the keynote speakers at the historic 1963 March on Washington. Even in the face of hatred and violence, Lewis remained resolute in his commitment to what he liked to call “good trouble.”
“I get excited to think that every time you put a stamp on a letter, even if it’s not him, you’re going to think about John Lewis being on a stamp and all that that means; go out and vote, be fair, embrace people and their differences, be helpful, be kind, I mean everything that he stood for,” said Linda Earley Chastang, president and chief executive officer of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation who was also in attendance. “John fought for the rights of all to be, do, think, and believe whatever they needed to, and this stamp will hopefully remind others to continue getting in “good trouble”.”
The John Lewis Forever stamp is available in panes of 15. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
Shanice Love is an entrepreneur with businesses in the entertainment, financial and trucking Industries. Shanice, focuses her time on creating avenues that help elevate black women in their personal and professional lives.