Segments
America suffered two tremendous losses earlier this month with the passing of two civil rights icons, Congressman John Lewis and The Rev. C.T. Vivian. As we find ourselves in a historic period of racial reckoning in this country – the largest such movement since the civil rights era – we are called to cause “good trouble” and create a brighter future for generations to come. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we’ll reflect on these heroes’ impact on the nation and how we can carry on their work.
For six decades, John Lewis fought doggedly in pursuit of justice, never losing sight of his vision for a truly equitable, truly free nation. We were lucky enough to have him share that vision with us in 2013, and will revisit the Congressman’s insightful conversation with Rev. Welton Gaddy, host of State of Belief.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once called Rev. C.T. Vivian “the greatest preacher to ever live.” Similarly, Congressman John Lewis was known as the “conscience of the Congress.” To delve into the work of these giants, Welton will sit down with someone who worked in partnership with both men – Dr. Keith Jennings, president and CEO of the African American Center on Global Politics and Human Rights. We’ll hear what both men thought of the current generation of civil rights activists, including the Black Lives Matter movement.
Congressman Lewis’ steadfast pursuit of justice included striving for religious freedom for those of all faith backgrounds and none. From 1998 until his death, he held a variety of leadership positions with the Faith & Politics Institute. Joan Mooney, the organization’s president and CEO, will join Welton to discuss the Congressman’s work with the Foundation cultivating common ground for courage, conscience, and compassion in political life.
And we’ll hear a few Words from Welton about the personal impact that knowing Rep. John Lewis has had on him as an activist – and an American.
State of Belief is made possible in great part by the generous support of our listeners. Please consider making a donation to help keep us on the air at this critical time.
