Washington, D.C. — Following the passing of civil rights icon Rev. C.T. Vivian, a close ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the late Rep. John Lewis, President of People For the American Way Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the Rev. C.T. Vivian. Rev. Vivian was a towering figure in the civil rights movement whose profound faith, moral clarity and commitment to nonviolent action made him a lifelong leader. He and his fellow theology student in Nashville, the late Rep. John Lewis, worked side by side as young activists confronting vicious racial oppression with a peace and dignity that inspired millions. His life and the life of Rep. Lewis, whose loss we also mourn today, paved the way over many decades for the national reckoning with racial injustice that we see today. We loved them. And we will always be warmed by their love for all of us.”

About People For the American Way Foundation 

People For the American Way Foundation is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.