When reflecting on his father’s character, readers gain insight into how his perception of his father shaped Lewis’s journey. He discusses the intergenerational trauma he inherited from his family, tracing back to his family’s experiences in sharecropping and farming. He also vividly recalls watching his father struggle with mounting debt, instilling fear that this cycle would continue through generations. Through these narratives, Lewis not only illustrates the multifaceted emotional landscape experienced by African American families, but also sheds light on the physically and emotionally long journey endured by many before becoming involved in civil rights organizations and movements. Lewis's introspection extends to the roots of his ethical beliefs, underscoring his inclination towards education and his inspiration drawn from the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. The skill set of nonviolent resistance and perseverance, which Lewis acquired in his formative years, would play a pivotal role in shaping the rationale for embracing the nonviolent approach. In his own words, “But I’d always had a visceral aversion to violence of any