Dear John,

Yesterday, Representative John Lewis was laid to rest at Ebenezer Baptist Church. We joined our fellow citizens all over the country in mourning the loss of a true American hero while celebrating his unwavering strength of purpose, relentless optimism and indomitable spirit. 

My resolve was renewed by the Congressman’s own words in an op-ed published yesterday in the New York Times, 

“Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key.”

Now more than ever, our country must heed the voice of Congressman Lewis. As we grieve, we pledge to redouble our efforts to ensure the right to vote, and we are deeply honored to share this special opportunity to get into some “good trouble” with your VoteRiders family:

• First, stream Participant's John Lewis: Good Trouble film at your convenience, and enjoy an inspiring journey through his life and legacy; then, 
• Join us next Thursday, August 6 (noon PDT), on the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, for an uplifting live conversation about Mr. Lewis’ life’s work protecting the right to vote, and how his legacy is being carried on – with passionate perseverance - by VoteRiders, our very special ambassadors and partners – and YOU.

Special guests include:

• Professor Carol Anderson (Professor of African American Studies at Emory University and bestselling author of One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy)
• Coach Nolan Smith (Duke Basketball and North Carolina community leader) and Coach Eric Reveno (leading the national #AllVoteNoPlay initiative from Georgia Tech)
• Hamilton cast ambassadors, coalition leaders from key states across the country, and more.

We hope you will be able to join us for this powerful event. 

Yours in shared mourning and renewed dedication to our highest calling,

Kathleen and the VoteRiders Team