C.T. Vivian returns to struggle to help guide SCLC

Since then, King's nephew, Isaac Newton Farris Jr., has been working to rebuild the organization, alongside veterans including Bernard LaFayette Jr., a King lieutenant who now serves as board chairman. SCLC has also focused on recruiting and training young people, a focus Vivian said has always been an essential component of its success.

"You learn by doing," Vivian said. "We've got youth and age together. We don't care how young people are. They should be called to struggle for their freedom."

In the 55 years since SCLC's founding, Vivian points out that the strategy of nonviolent direct action has not been implemented as effectively by any other group. His aim is for SCLC to be among the groups at the forefront of driving home the need for the strategy again today.

"There must always been the understanding of what Martin had in mind for this organization," Vivian said. "Nonviolent, direct action makes us successful. We learned how to solve social problems without violence. We cannot allow the nation or the world to ever forget that."

Online:

http://www.sclcnational.org