July 22, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 129 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E663-E664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO REV. DR. C.T. VIVIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 2020

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, C.T. Vivian was a key 
member of Dr. King's leadership group at SCBC during the height of the 
movement. He began his activism in Peoria, Illinois and as many others 
talented activist oriented individuals did, he found his way to Dr. 
King and became a valued member of the team.
  Rev. C.T. was a fiery orator who lead marches, motivated and inspired 
crowds and was activity engaged in strategy development. He was 
viciously attached by an Alabama Sheriff, but held his ground. C.T., as 
we fondly called him, came to Chicago and helped develop the Black 
Strategy Center with Dr. Archie Hargraves, Chester Robinson, Rev. Jesse 
Jackson and others.
  I got to know Rev. Vivian in 1975, when a group of us spent a month 
in Nairobi, Kenya

[[Page E664]]

on a study colloquium for a doctoral dissertation writing. Rev. Vivian 
spent the rest of preaching developing social change programs and being 
engaged in activities designed to help make the work a better place in 
which to live. Living during the same time as Rev. C.T. Vivian and 
knowing him and his work has been gratifying and inspirational.
  He was a great contributor to positive change in America and may he 
rest in peace.

                          ____________________