Sequential narrative was becoming the language of young adults. Words and pictures worked together in tweeted memes in much the same way as a comic panel. He was also conscious of the role the Internet played in creating a new literacy among young people. He saw the format as the most democratic and accessible mass medium, one that enabled anyone to express an idea with basic, inexpensive tools and reach a broad readership across educational, class and language barriers. Comic books at the time were widely demonized, considered by some to be a corrupting influence – but having witnessed the inspiration “Montgomery Story” gave young activists, including himself, Lewis knew comics’ potential. Interviewers often asked us, “Why a graphic novel?” The truth is that “March” was always a comic, starting with Andrew’s initial vision after Congressman Lewis described 1957’s buried but influential “Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story.” Across 14 pages, the comic book explains the philosophy and discipline of nonviolent social resistance through an illustrated recounting of Rosa Parks, Dr. CNN Films’ upcoming documentary chronicles the life and career of the legendary civil rights activist and Democratic Representative from Georgia.

March lewis