This week on The Local Take we speak with Don Rivers about In The Action, formerly the C. T. Vivian Leadership Institute. This community initiative hosts a community day on June 3rd at the Lang Carson Recreation Center at 100 Flat Shoals Avenue, SE, from noon - 7pm. This will be a fun family day with music, food, art, and much more. Rivers has been long associated with Civil Rights Leader Reverend Dr. C. T. Vivian. The In The Action Community Festival will reflect the work and legacy of this renowned leader.
Before getting to the upcoming festival, I asked Rivers to share a few anecdotes or lessons that he learned from his work with Rev. Dr. C. T. Vivian. Rivers began working with Vivian when he was a 21-year-old student at Shaw University. Rev. Vivian was 51 and the Director of the Seminary Without Walls. He shares that Rev. Vivian loved all living things and shares several stories about his humility. He also shares that the Upward Bound program was started by Rev. Vivian and has assisted numerous students over the decades.
Rivers mentions that he traveled with Dr. Vivian and had the opportunity to meet many people, including Dick Gregory, Harry Belafonte, and Maya Angelou. He said that Rev. Vivian was closer to being a saint than anyone he had known and was the embodiment of agape love.
I ask Rivers why the In The Action Community Festival focuses on family. He speaks of wanting to provide an opportunity for multi-generational families to all come together for fun, entertainment, and information. Local talent, including Milkshake, Tammy Harper, and others, will perform. Classes in leatherwork, jewelry making, and vocal classes will also be available.
The future of In The Action will be housed at the Lang Carson Recreation Center. The website www.intheaction.us will be active in a few weeks. Rivers brought together like-minded people who want to elevate the lives of our community with motivation and innovation. After the festival, vocal lessons, jewelry, and leather work classes will continue to be offered for children and adults.
For more information about Don Rivers