C.T. Vivian, civil rights hero and intellectual, dead at 95

[Dennis Donovan]

https://www.ajc.com/news/ct-vivian-civil-rights-hero-and-intellectual-dead-at-95/2GOB7SU7MZDHJADH63LIKYHK6M/



3 hours ago

By Ernie Suggs, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient known for his historic confrontation in Selma

The Rev. C.T. Vivian made his lasting mark on the civil rights movement during an ugly confrontation that tested his commitment to nonviolence.

The year was 1965. The day was February 16.

Vivian and other activists were on the steps of the Dallas County courthouse in Selma, Ala., trying to register Black voters. Standing in a cold rain, Vivian passionately articulated the argument for the right of every person to vote.

Sheriff Jim Clark, a noted segregationist, punched Vivian in the mouth, knocking him to the ground.

Vivian did not retaliate. Instead he picked himself up and continued to argue for the right to vote.

Before being carted off to jail, he had 11 stitches put into his mouth.

“I had to show that I wasn’t afraid,” Vivian said in a 2013 interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

<snip>

Now, Vivian’s work has come to an end.

He died at 3 a.m. on July 17, his daughter confirmed.

He was 95.

</snip>

Traveling with Freedom Riders on historic ride from Montgomery to Jackson, MS, Rev. C.T. Vivian (C) pleading with officer to make rest stop. (Photo by Lee Lockwood/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty Images/Getty Images)

Thank you for your activism and courage. Cross gently, Rev Vivian.

[Docreed2003]

1. Rest in Power Rev Vivian

[Dennis Donovan]

2. Kick