All cameras were pointed at him. The white policeman blocking his path sneered.
Looking the officer dead in the eye, he said, "You can turn your back on me, but you cannot turn your back upon the idea of justice.” WHAM! The officer punched him in the face.
The blow knocked Rev. C.T. Vivian to the ground. Brushing off his suit, he stood up. This wasn’t the first time police had been aggressive with him, and it wouldn’t be the last.
Standing his ground Vivian made it clear he and his fellow protestors would be heard. They were there to vote.
The incident was broadcast all over the country, and just weeks later thousands gathered for the Civil Rights march from Selma to Montgomery. Later, the Voting Rights Act would pass.
Throughout his career as a freedom fighter, Vivian saw anti-Blackness as violence. Reflecting on his involvement in the movement, Vivian shared that no amount of violence could have made him break his commitment to non-violence.
He refused to act like the oppressor.
Do you agree or disagree with Vivian? Is there ever a time for violent protest? More importantly, are peaceful protests still effective?
There’s no one “right answer.” There are numerous ways to protest. Which form of protest feels best for you and your community?