In Memory of Rev. C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis

Yesterday, our world lost two great champions of civil rights and human dignity, Reverend C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis. Finding the right words to express the loss of not one but two bold and courageous leaders is difficult for me, having had the great fortune of interacting with both of them over the years.

The last time I saw Rev. Vivian was in March 2015 at the Selma 50th Anniversary Bridge Crossing Jubilee. As always he was full of energy and speaking passionately about the wonders of the day. He expressed how impressed he was with the youth involved in the Movement for Black Lives. I told him that the following month my comrades and I would be leading a 250 mile march from New York City to Washington, D.C., to demand justice for the victims of police brutality. He gave us his blessing and offered us some words of wisdom, along with Congressman John Lewis, before we stepped off on the journey.

In 2015, Congressman John Lewis spoke at the beginning and the end point of the March 2 Justice and helped us push for the passage of the three pieces of legislation that we had walked so far to deliver. I am grateful for the incredible honor of having him recognize my own work, as he bestowed an award from the Congressional Black Caucus. I admire how Congressman Lewis shared his story of nonviolent resistance in formats intended specifically to appeal to young people, and he remained a steadfast practitioner of this transformative approach throughout his life. As a Congressional Representative, he continued to lead sit-ins and speak truth to power, even in recent years as he approached the age of 80.

C.T. Vivian, Congressman John Lewis and I had history in the movement. I had first met both of them with my boss & mentor, Harry Belafonte in 2005 at the founding of The Gathering for Justice — the organization I now lead. Mr. Belafonte, Rev. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis were our elders, helping their young mentees build an agenda for racial liberation and an end to child incarceration. I was fortunate to learn at the feet of giants. Rev. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis, in particular, meant so much to me as they consistently showed up for my generation.

I am deeply saddened to learn that these great men had passed on to eternal rest. While I will miss the opportunity to share time and space with each of them again, I know that their earthly job is done now, and we must lift up the legacy for the generations to come.

To the family, friends and community of both men, I send my deepest condolences for your profound loss. Rest in Power #CTVivian and #RepJohnLewis.

Carmen Perez-Jordan

President and CEO

The Gathering for Justice