It's in the Action: Memories of a Nonviolent Warrior

by C.T. Vivian, Steve Fiffer, Andrew Young (Foreword)

The wisdom acquired during C. T. Vivian's lifetime is generously shared in It's In the Action, the civil rights legend's memoir of his early life and time in the civil rights movement. Vivian worked hand-in-hand with the movement's most famous figures, including Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, and his contributions were no less vital to the successes of nonviolent resistance. Bearing a foreword from Andrew Young, It's In the Action is an important addition to civil rights history from Vivian and co-author Steve Fiffer.

C. T. Vivian's life was never defined by the discrimination and hardship he faced, although there were many instances of both throughout his lifetime. The late civil rights leader instead focused on his faith in God and his steadfast belief in nonviolence, extending these principles nationwide as a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. It's In the Action contains Vivian's recollections, ranging from finding religion at the young age of five to his imprisonment as part of the Freedom Rides. The late civil rights leader's heart wrenching and inspiring stories from a lifetime of nonviolent activism come just in time for a new generation of activists, similarly responding to systems of injustice, violence, and oppression. It's In the Action is a record of a life dedicated to selflessness and morality, qualities achieved by Vivian that we can all aspire to.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people don’t know C.T. Vivian’s name, when he was one of the giants of the Modern Civil Rights Movement, as critical to its success as Dr. King, John Lewis, Diane Nash, and Rosa Parks. This memoir, crafted from interviews in the years just before his death and pulled from interviews across years for more accurate memories of events decades ago, was outstanding. Vivian was a warrior for nonviolence, but hadn’t always been nonviolent himself. His stories of coming to understand power shed light on his years leading the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference). He discusses various campaigns and strategies of the Movement, though in a thoroughly accessible way. Even the appendices, filled with eulogies, his CV, and an interview with the Living Legacy Project’s Jim Hobart, continue to add to our knowledge of him. Vivian was a humble man, committed to love and justice, and this is an excellent book by and about his life and work. Highly recommended.

[Food4 Thought · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Dr. Vivian that was not mentioned in the other books that I have read that pertains to the SCLC, Dr. King and/or the portions of the Civil Rights movement that took place between the years 1945-1969 in America. This autobiography is about a wonderful African-American (and American) man that everyone should read.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful summary of C.T.Vivian’s life. I wish he had devoted a chapter to his work with the National Anti Klan Network/Center for Democratic Renewal.

[Reginald Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into this unheralded giant of the Civil Rights movement and beyond.