Congressman John Lewis, an advocate and Civil Rights icon, had encouraging words on the first day of school for the inaugural class of his namesake educational institution, the John Lewis Invictus Academy, located at 1890 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy.

Atlanta Board of Education members along with Superintendent Meria Carstarphen and Principal Gregory Parks joined Congressman John Lewis for a photo during opening of John Lewis Invictus Academy on Aug. 1.

Tuesday marked the first day of classes for students at the new JLIA. Students were elated that Congressman Lewis was there to greet them. As a middle school for the Douglass Cluster, JLIA promotes persistence, invincibility, self-mastery and an unconquerable spirit as tools for success. Congressman Lewis personified these traits, as he reminisced about his time growing up during the Civil Rights Movement.

“Don’t let anybody tell you no,” Lewis stated. Every student and community member watched Lewis in admiration.

Lewis believes every child should have an opportunity to learn and grow. He made it clear that he wanted every child to walk away from the assembly believing that they could accomplish anything, as long as they believed in themselves.

“You can be what you want to be!” Lewis said. “You’re smart; you’re gifted; you’re beautiful!”

It was a wonderful way to bring in the new school year—having an icon represent the moment!