My heart aches. My tears flow. I mourn.
Two men who helped shape my core values passed away
yesterday. One everyone knows. The other less ‘famous’, but just as influential
in my life.
John Lewis and C.T. Vivian. May they rest in peace.
I had the distinct honor of working with these two giants of
the Civil Rights movement in Atlanta, Georgia in the 80’s. As everyone
who crossed paths with these two men, I remain forever changed. Their intense
commitment to social justice and equality is truly the real deal.
C.T. Vivian was my mentor for race relations. I first met
him through Leadership Atlanta and stayed in touch with him for years. He
taught me so much. One pivotal exchange that stays with me is when we first met
noticing my name, my undeniable Whiteness, and my proudly embraced Cuban roots,
he tells me: “You are obviously not Black; but, here in the South you ain’t White
either.” He coached me how to navigate what was to become my life’s journey in
this never-never land of embracing Blackness, living Whiteness, and dreaming in
Cuban. Complicated indeed.
My interaction with John Lewis was much more pragmatic. He
was a City Councilmember and I was the young Executive Director of the Atlanta
Community Design Center. We crossed path when we conceptualized the very early
stages of what was to become APEX, the African American Panoramic Experience
(under the stewardship of Dan Moore.) I so admired his amazing skill of
navigating complicated, critical issues with the grace which defines him. A true
master of positive messaging and speaking truth to power - even when he was
part of ‘the system’. Of the various
conversations we had, I will never forget him sharing with me after a
contentious public exchange: “Young man, it is ok. Just remember to never
compromise your core values of fairness and justice for personal gain or political
expediency.” Oh, how wise. Today more than ever.
Quite poetic that these two giants left us the same day.
That means we have to work double hard and twice as intense to continue the
path they helped pave towards the beloved community.
1 comment:
Thank you for sharing how these two people made such an impression on you. You were very fortunate to work in their light. (And we are very fortunate to have you guiding our way, here in Silver Spring).
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