Exalted as “the greatest preacher of all time” by his friend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Reverend Dr. C.T. Vivian’s passion in life was the promotion of social justice, economic equality, intellect, and shared freedom for all. Over the course of his and his beloved wife, Octavia’s, life, they amassed a collection of over 6,000 historical accounts captured in novels, memoirs, and biographies – largely on the topic of the Black experience – and all of which were bequeathed for future generations to study at the C.T. Vivian library, located at Rodney Cook, Sr. Park in the heart of Atlanta, GA.
As the nation continues to come to grips with racial inequality, and as the march towards unity remains out of reach for far too many, the study of the lives and journeys of America’s Black forbearers remains both relevant and an essential curriculum in the struggle.
Like the love shared between them, the Vivians’ admiration for the written word only matured and grew stronger with age. Rooted in their practical experience with nonviolent protests, the Vivians’ knew that – unlike any one person – ideas would outlast the moment and live in the inspired accomplishments of those who were to follow.
It is in the spirit and recognition of the profound impact of the written word that the C.T. and Octavia Vivian Museum and Archives Inc. Kaleidoscope Awards for Literary Excellence celebrates contemporary authors who honor Black descent and give authentic voice to the Black experience through literature.
This year’s honorees include:
In the Category of Fiction: Tayari Jones
In the Category of History: Taylor Branch
In the Category of Journalism: Ernie Suggs
In the Category of Memoir: Natasha Trethewey
In the Category of Non-Fiction: Ta-Nehisi Coates
“We are honored to recognize and celebrate these trailblazing authors at the inaugural Kaleidoscope Awards for Literary Excellence,” said DeAna Jo Vivian, Executive Director, C.T. and Octavia Vivian Museum and Archives.” “The written word had such a profound impact on the development of C.T. and Octavia Vivian’s identity – both in their activism and intellectualism. These writers have uniquely captured the essence of the Vivans’ legacy and carried it forward for a modern audience. It is with a nod to the past with an eye to the future that we honor their contributions.”
“In my career as a reporter, I have had the opportunity to write on the topics of social and racial justice and civil rights icons like C.T. Vivian,” remarked Ernie Suggs, Reporter, Atlanta Journal Constitution. “This award is further evidence that our collective work matters – words matter – and I am honored that my life’s work adds to the achievements of those who came before us.”
“C.T. was a lifelong apostle for nonviolence in the best possible way: as an academic discipline, as spiritual venture, began Taylor Branch, Pulitzer Prize winning author of America in the King Years. “At the heart of our hope to have equal souls and equal votes in the United States. He never forgot that every voice is a piece of nonviolence.”