IT'S IN THE ACTION

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.