How John Lewis’s ‘Across That Bridge’ Can Help You Build a More Just and Loving Community

Practical Steps for Personal and Social Transformation from a Civil Rights Icon

Building a just and loving community is no small feat, but John Lewis’s ‘Across That Bridge’ offers a clear path forward. Lewis’s vision of the ‘beloved community’—a world where justice, equality, and love prevail—was not just a dream but a daily practice.

Lewis explains that unity is forged through collective action. Whether it’s volunteering, voting, or organizing peaceful demonstrations, every act of engagement strengthens the bonds of community. He shares stories of communities coming together after conflict, using forgiveness and honest conversation to heal wounds.

Practical steps abound: host regular forums for dialogue, encourage acts of service, and create spaces where every voice is heard. Lewis’s approach is rooted in empathy—listening deeply to others, seeking common ground, and extending forgiveness even when it’s hard.

‘Across That Bridge’ shows that building the beloved community is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. The book’s lessons are as relevant in workplaces and online groups as they are in neighborhoods. By applying Lewis’s principles, anyone can become a bridge-builder, turning division into unity and conflict into collaboration.
What kind of community do you want to help build?

References: Goodreads, Slanted Spines