Atlanta Civil Rights Leader C.T. Vivian to Receive Presidential Medal of Honor

Fifty years ago this month, Martin Luther King Jr. led the march on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. By his side was his good friend Rev. C.T. Vivian.

During the time, Vivian participated in Freedom Rides and organized sits-ins across the country. He’s also founded a number of civil rights organizations, including Vision and the National Anti-Klan Network.

“We’re all of us in the movement, we’re just fortunate, and we’ve had an honor here and another there – none like this one though” Vivian said with a laugh.  

But to him, he says it’s how you use the award that’s important. At 89-years old, Vivian has not even a hint of backing down on what he’s been fighting for almost all of his life.

Late last month, Vivian trained youth on civil rights organizing at the SCLC headquarters.

He says he’s also working on an educational fund and wants to focus on the high school dropout rate for African-American students.

“It’s getting things funded. And this kind of thing helps you get things done,” Vivian said.  

Later this month, Vivian will travel to Washington D.C. to commemorate the anniversary of the march. 

From the White House Press Release: 

C.T. Vivian is a distinguished minister, author, and organizer. A leader in the Civil Rights Movement and friend to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he participated in Freedom Rides and sit-ins across our country. Dr. Vivian also helped found numerous civil rights organizations, including Vision, the National Anti-Klan Network, and the Center for Democratic Renewal. In 2012, he returned to serve as interim President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference