It's in the Action

February 1, 2021
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.

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February 19, 2021

Completed shortly before his death, this posthumous memoir by Baptist minister and nonviolent activist Vivian (1924-2020) lays out his guiding principles of love, faith, and justice. A close associate of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Vivian was also a firm believer in nonviolent action and he explains, in fascinating detail, ongoing efforts of direct action from organizers during the civil rights movement. Notably, he shares the principles he learned from the Congress for Racial Equality, or CORE, and how accountability and responsibility for one's actions are a key part of fighting for civil rights. Powerful sections detail his time campaigning for voting rights in Selma, and aiming to integrate lunch counters in Peoria, IL. Vivian is a modest author, and when he outlines his involvement, it is because it has not been covered elsewhere. Descriptions of protests in Selma, Birmingham, and other cities have been covered in other books, such as Freedom Riders: 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice, and Vivian frequently references these notable works. His account, co-written by author and activist Fiffer, adds a much-needed perspective. VERDICT A book that all should pick up and read, as there is still much to be learned about the civil rights movement that should not be forgotten.--Amy Lewontin, Northeastern Univ. Lib., Boston

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