This illustrates the disservice that the Old Guard of Civil Rights Leaders has perpetrated on the movement. Instead of mentoring and raising up new leaders, they relished their positions as icons and held on to every ounce of power they could possibly derive from King's death.
Lewis has held on to his Congressional seat for over 30 years, effectively blocking the advancement of two generations. Joseph Lowery maintained leadership over the SCLC for two decades. Jesse Jackson became a professional race pimp, parlaying the lies he told on the day of King's assassination into an extensive shakedown organization enriching himself and his family.
And then there's the King Family who maintained tight control over their Atlanta Center for decades, using it to enrich themselves while denying the opportunity for anyone else to pick up their torch.
And now John Lewis learns that he has no relevance among the people he has shut out for over four decades. And his constituents continue to suffer for a man forever stuck in Selma, AL.
