During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, John Lewis, a well-known politician and civil rights leader in American history, was instrumental in the struggle against racial discrimination and segregation. At the age of 17, when many young people are still figuring out who they are in the world, he started his journey.

Writing a letter to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who was already causing a stir with his nonviolent approach to social justice and equality for African Americans, was one of Lewis's turning points. Most teenagers at that age might be preoccupied with their studies or pastimes, but John felt driven to get in touch with someone whose writing really spoke to him.

Lewis's actions resembled a seedling pushing through hard soil; while they may not seem like much to an outsider, the strength and resolve behind them are enormous. Lewis showed his dedication to changing the world long before he was fully mature or acknowledged by others by writing that letter at such a young age.

John Lewis was motivated to get more involved in civil rights activism by his early relationship with King. Throughout his life, he continued to advocate for human rights and took part in significant events such as the marches from Selma to Montgomery. He eventually served as the U.S. Representative for Georgia until his death in 2020.

This letter's narrative demonstrates how even modest interactions with people whose work you respect can have a significant influence on your own development. For John Lewis, that one crucial step taken as a teenager signaled the start of a lifetime journey devoted to combating injustice and advancing equality.