I stand on the shoulders of greatness. Congressman John Lewis will be missed..I am fortunate to have had the privilege to meet and know this hero. On July 2, 2010, Rep.Lewis inspired a room full of people, as he shared stories of his childhood, of witnessing the first black president, and his hope for the future.
“There is something about the power of love, the power of nonviolence, the power of peace… Build a society where we can forget about race and color and see people as people, as human beings, as children of God.” I recall feeling overwhelmed by his keynote address, yet empowered to continue the fight for equality.
I am grateful to have met not only Rep. Lewis, but also Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian, as co-Chair of ACCORD Freedom Trail Annual Luncheons. During our 2nd year of this event, we welcomed Dr. Vivian back to St. Augustine with open arms. His smile was big and his heart even bigger. You could feel his warmth and kindness, immediately.
As he went to take a seat at the head table, I guided his chair, but some how he missed the seat and toppled to the ground. I knelt over him, as he smiled and popped back upright. The room fell silent with worry, but this little snafu didn’t appear to phase him in the least. In hindsight, I recognize the resilience and fighting spirit he exuded throughout his life.
Vivian was also a legendary hero of the Civil Rights Movement and one of the closest associates of Dr. Martin Luther King. He played an important part in the civil rights
movement in St. Augustine in 1964. Images of him circulated worldwide, of his participation in the infamous wade-in at St. Augustine Beach, which attracted international attention that year.
Most people my age, have never met a real life “super hero”, yet I have been fortunate to have met several. Dr. Vivian, Rep. Lewis and a host of others including Dr. R.B. Hayling, Mrs. Cora Tyson, Ambassador Andrew Young, and a few other unsung heroes. These individuals risked their lives for justice, equality and civil freedom. I stand on the shoulders of greatness. So today, I take up my cape, and wear it humbly. I vow to continue their fight for justice, peace and love for all humanity, independent of ones race.
Reverend C.T. Vivian (July 30, 1924- July 17, 2020)
Congressman John Lewis (February 21, 1940-July 17, 2020)
https://accordfreedomtrail.org/documents/ACCORD_Newsletter_July__2010.pdf