C.T. Vivian, Civil Rights Leader And Champion Of Nonviolent Action, Dies At 95

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The Rev. C.T. Vivian, seen in a 2012 portrait at his Atlanta home, has died at the age of 95.

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C.T. Vivian, leads a prayer on the steps of the the courthouse in Selma, Ala., in February 1965, after Sheriff Jim Clark (in a white helmet) stopped him at the door with a court order. During another confrontation on the same steps just days later, the segregationist sheriff punched Vivian to the ground — and Vivian stood back up to continue his argument.

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‘A Proud Walk’: 3 Voices On The March From Selma To Montgomery

Obituaries
Remembering Civil Rights Leader C.T. Vivian

Civil Rights Leader C.T. Vivian Dies At 95

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«He was one of those people who talked about strategy, civil rights activist Josie Johnson told NPR’s Morning Edition, «talked about methods, talked about the rationale for having a plan. Not just acting, but understanding why you’re acting and then being consistent.

It was also in his role as director of affiliates for SCLC that Vivian had perhaps his best-known confrontation with authorities. He had traveled to Selma to press for voting rights. There, on the steps of the Dallas County courthouse in February 1965, segregationist Sheriff Jim Clark blocked his path into the building.

So Vivian used the moment as an opportunity for a sermon of sorts.

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«You can turn your back on me, but you cannot turn your back upon the idea of justice. You can turn your back now and you can keep the club in your hand, but you cannot beat down justice, he told Clark, as the media recorded the encounter and several dozen protesters looked on behind him. «And we will register to vote, because as citizens of these United States we have the right to do it.

Clark responded to Vivian with a punch in the mouth, knocking him to the ground. Vivian did not retaliate physically, but pulled himself to his feet and kept speaking as police shoved aside and ultimately arrested him.

Just weeks after the incident aired on national television, thousands of people gathered for the famous march from Selma to Montgomery. And before the year was out, Congress had passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Vivian received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work in 2013. But in an interview recorded for the honor, Vivian reiterated his call to action, saying that the work for racial and social justice was far from finished.

«Do what you can do and do it well, he said. «But always ask your question: Is it serving people?