It's in the action : memories of a nonviolent warrior

It's in the action Memories of a nonviolent warrior

C. T. Vivian

Book - 2021

"C. T. Vivian's life was never defined by the discrimination and hardship he faced, although there were many instances of both throughout his lifetime. The late civil rights leader instead focused on his faith in God and his steadfast belief in nonviolence, extending these principles nationwide as a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. It's In the Action contains Vivian's recollections, ranging from finding religion at the young age of five to his imprisonment as part of the Freedom Rides. The late civil rights leader's heart wrenching and inspiring stories from a lifetime of nonviolent activism come just in time for a new generation of activists, similarly responding to systems of injustice, viol...ence, and oppression. It's In the Action is a record of a life dedicated to selflessness and morality, qualities achieved by Vivian that we can all aspire to"--

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Subjects
Vivian, C. T.
African American civil rights workers > Biography.
Civil rights workers > United States > Biography.
African American clergy > Biography.
Civil rights movements > Southern States > History > 20th century.
African Americans > Civil rights.
Nonviolence > United States > History.
Southern States > Race relations.
Published
Montgomery, AL : NewSouth Books [2021]
Language
English
Main Author
C. T. Vivian (author)
Other Authors
Steve Fiffer (author), Andrew Young, 1932- (writer of foreword)
Physical Description
xvi, 173 pages, 24 unnumbered pages of plates : portraits ; 24 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN
9781588384416
  • Foreword
  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • Prologue When We Came Out of Slavery
  • 1. You Can Move toward Danger
  • 2. A Matter of Faith
  • 3. Is Segregation Christian?
  • 4. And Then They Jumped on Me
  • 5. You're Never Too Young to Fight
  • 6. We're Willing to Be Beaten
  • 7. The Disease of Racism
  • 8. Prophets Never Stop Serving
  • 9. What Do You Want to Be?
  • Epilogue The Trail They Blazed
  • Appendix 1. Because He Existed
  • Appendix 2. He Was Unafraid
  • Appendix 3. You Have to Really Love People
  • Sources
  • Index
  • (24 pages of photographs follow page 80)
Review by Kirkus Book Review

A memoir from a minister, civil rights leader, and close friend of Martin Luther King Jr. In a book written and compiled just prior to his death, Vivian (1924-2020) provides a meaningful contribution to the literature about the civil rights movement, with the advantage of more than 50 years of reflection. Written with Fiffer, the book is a patchwork of Vivian's own account as well as transcripts of interviews from sources such as the PBS documentary Eyes on the Prize. Though the text is sometimes halting, the book is still a valuable addition to the historical record. Vivian begins by recounting his youth in Missouri and Illinois, painting a picture of his struggles with segregation and racism. The author's involvement in the quest for civil rights began in the late 1940s in Peoria, Illinois, and he recounts his efforts to desegregate the restaurants. Vivian went on to pursue studies in divinity, joining the clergy and the broad, interfaith community that was so important to the movement. The author delivers surprisingly self-effacing accounts of such historical watersheds as the demonstrations in Selma and Montgomery and the Freedom Rider campaigns. It is here that prior sources most come into play, adding useful material to Vivian's more recent recollections. The author also discusses his in-depth involvement with the Chicago Freedom Movement, work with MLK, and his leadership roles within such significant organizations as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Upward Bound, and the Ford Foundation Fellowship Program. Throughout, Vivian demonstrates his commitment to nonviolent direct action. "This is the beauty of nonviolence," he writes. "By being your best self you reach others at a deeper level that they thought they could be reached. And so, the truth becomes the predominant force in what you are doing." In 2013, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama. An inspiring story of dedication and leadership. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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