Remembering C.T. Vivian & John Lewis on Mandela Day

 

Mandela Day is held annually on July 18th, the date of Mandela’s birth. Across the world, to celebrate the life, work and legacy of Nelson Mandela, people mark this day by doing something good for 67 minutes. 67 minutes is one minute for every year Mandela campaigned for human rights and to make the world a better place.

 

This Mandela Day, we are called upon to be active citizens in our communities. Suggestions include delivering food parcels, making masks and protective gear, teaching online or making donations towards these efforts.

As I write this, we must say goodbye to two other great civil rights campaigners, Rev. Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian and John Lewis, both of whom passed away on July 17th at the ages of 95 and 80 respectively. It seems appropriate today to not only focus on being active citizens in our communities but on being active citizens of the world by learning more about the lives, struggles and legacies of these men and teaching our children their stories.

 

• Linked are biographies of all three men.

• • Britannica.com: Nelson Mandela

  • Britannica.com: John Lewis

• • Encyclopedia.com: C.T. Vivian

• Read some of Mandela’s key statements and speeches.

• These CNN reports also give detailed accounts of the lives and the struggles for civil rights C.T. Vivian and John Lewis faced.

• Listen to John Lewis share his recount of the Selma to Montgomery marches.

 

Here are some quotes from all three men to share with your children. What do their words teach us? How can they inspire us? What can we do to continue their work?

 

 

Barack Obama knew both C.T. Vivian and John Lewis. Let me end with his tributes to them (C.T. Vivian / John Lewis). May they both Rest in Peace.