Event date: 9/26/2020 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Export event Monday, September 21, 2020 / Categories: Events, ISHS Event, General News Reverend Dr. C. T Vivian Historical Marker Dedication Illinois State Historical Society Join us in Macomb on Saturday, September 26, as we install a new historical marker commemorating the life of civil rights pioneer Reverend Dr. C. T Vivian. Unveiling at 2 p.m., 630 East Adams Street (former site of Vivian's childhood home) with a social hour following. RSVP at 309-833-2558. Facial coverings required. Marker Text: Civil Rights activist Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian (1924-2020) was raised in a home on this property from 1930 to 1945. He graduated from Macomb High School and Western Illinois State Teachers College (now WIU). His civil rights activism, helping Black Americans, began in Peoria after World War II. He is most noted for his work with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, when he strove for Black people to have full rights in several southern cities. Dr. King stated that Vivian was the greatest preacher he had ever seen. He founded several civil rights organizations and the college prep program “Upward Bound.” He also crusaded for fundamental human values across America. Vivian was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. Sponsored by the City of Macomb, The McDonough County Branch of the NAACP and the Illinois State Historical Society Print Tags: African Americans Civil Rights Historical Markers Related articles Illinois Heritage, March–April 2023 Illinois Heritage, January–February 2023 Illinois Heritage, November–December 2022 Illinois Heritage, May–June 2022 Illinois Heritage, March–April 2022 Please login or register to post comments.