xpost from GD: Rep. John Lewis gets 'Happy' with Pharrell Williams

[steve2470]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024700245

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/20/john-lewis-happy-pharrell-williams/6675369/

Even major civil rights figures have to get 'Happy' now and then.

On Wednesday, staffers for Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., the last surviving organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, had a belated birthday celebration for him in his Atlanta office when they put on Pharrell Williams' 'Happy.'

When the congressman slipped out of his usual stoic expression and began snapping his fingers and twisting his hips, the staffers decided to film it and post it to YouTube. The video has gone viral and was a trending topic on social media Thursday night. Staffer Rachelle O'Neil is heard in the background, encouraging the congressman's moves.

One staffer said Lewis can't get enough of the song, which was nominated for an Academy Award. Its 24-hour music video available online features hundreds of people dancing through the streets of Los Angeles in individual three-minute segments. It's spurred spinoff videos from students from Morgan State University and Syracuse University, young singers from the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences and, now, a member of Congress.


I'd like to see President Obama do Happy.

[sheshe2]

1. I love John Lewis!

Happy Birthday!

The man deserves "Happy". He has been through it all!

Thanks steve. Oh and by by the way, welcome to the BOG~

[steve2470]

2. Thank you sheshe2 !

I guess I should introduce myself properly, since this will be my second home on DU (after CHaS).

I'm a 55 y/o Caucasian male, divorced, live near Orlando, FL. I've been a Democrat my entire life. I've always liked President Obama. I'd call myself a liberal Democrat overall.

The commotion in DU during the Ukraine crisis has REALLY opened my eyes to this place. I'm a pretty open-minded guy, but I have my limits. I have President Obama's back. During the Ukraine crisis and beyond. He's a good man.

My overall philosophy with DU is non-confrontational. I'm not good at it and I don't enjoy it. I think the vast majority of posters here have their minds set in marble and they won't change them. I know, on some issues, I'm this way. Therefore, I will not engage. I see attacking President Obama as counterproductive. He is on OUR side. The people's side. I really believe this.

If I break a rule in this group, it's because of sheer ignorance, not ill will. Just let me know and it won't happen again, promised.

I wish all of you much happiness, GOTV 2014, and go Obama !!!!!!

Go DEMS !!!

[sheshe2]

3. Thanks steve.

The Bog has been inactive recently, though I miss it here. I guess we have been taking it to GD more. There are now a lot of people that will take your back there.

Enjoy and please let a host know if there is a problem. We have to work and sleep sometimes, so we can not see everything.

Indeed. GOTV 2014 and Beyond!

[freshwest]

4. Love it! This is what gives a long life! I'm glad to see John Lewis, who has been a bright light for

so many years, be able to relax after all these battles, sorrows and hard work.

A Happy (belated) Birthday to John Lewis!

What a great find, thanks steve!

[steve2470]

5. my pleasure, fresh :) nt

[freshwest]

6. Oh, and thanks for the bio. You are 100% right. At times I want to strike back at some, but I don't

want to be that kind of person. I think you're going to be a great asset to DU.

[steve2470]

7. thanks

I've been here for 9.5 years but I'm kinda averse to confrontation, an odd duck on DU to be sure. So, I've kept a low profile.

I'll do my best to be positive about Democrats and President Obama, and a nice guy overall.