Civil rights leader John Lewis was influenced by various experiences, including his upbringing in a segregated South that shaped his commitment to nonviolent activism. His participation in the Freedom Rides and the Selma marches solidified his role in the struggle for racial equality. Lewis's involvement with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) emphasized his dedication to empowering youth in civil rights efforts. These experiences cultivated his resilience and belief in the power of community action, making him a transformative figure in the civil rights movement and a lifelong advocate for justice.