Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivan will be honored on Tuesday, July 30th, with a proclamation, the opening reception for an exhibit of art from Rev. Vivian’s personal collection, and a celebration program to commemorate what would have been the Macomb resident’s 100th birthday. Members of the C.T. Vivian Foundation Macomb Project, Macomb Arts Center, and the City of Macomb welcome community members to attend the Rev. Vivian’s centennial
celebration.
The afternoon will begin with a proclamation from City of Macomb Mayor Inman at 12:00pm at the C.T. Vivian Mural on Carroll Street to recognize Rev. Vivian’s commitment to social justice and civil rights.
The Macomb Arts Center at 25 East Side Square will then host a reception from 5:00pm to 7:00pm to open the “Select Works from the Art Collection of Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian” exhibit. The reception will include music by pianist Sandra Mosley and singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo, stories and remembrances by several of Rev. Vivian’s children, as well as refreshments and a cash bar. The MAC will remain open until 9:00pm for exhibit viewing.
Following the reception, individuals are encouraged to gather alongside the C.T. Vivian Mural for the celebration program at 7:00pm. This program will include a welcome from Mayor Inman and Western Illinois University Interim President Mindrup followed by an invocation by Mr. Allen Henderson, Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ, an introduction from Mr. Byron Shabazz and remarks from keynote speaker Rev. Dwight Ford. Additional elements of the program include remarks by members of Rev. Vivian’s family, performances by musicians Sandra Mosley and Willie Jones, and brief excerpts from Rev. C.T. Vivian’s work read by local area youth.
Limited seating will be available; please feel free to bring your own chairs. Rain location for the program will be at First Christian Church at 120 North McAuthor Street. Cake and ice cream will be served after the program in Chandler Park.
