During the turbulent times of the late 1950s and through the 1960s people marched and demonstrated with fervency their appeal for equality for all. It was a time of upheaval in the United States of America between whites and blacks. The disparagement came in the form of racial discrimination, inequality, and the quest for equal rights.
Spiver Whitney Gordon of Eutaw, Alabama was a trail blazer from that era who marched and fought for equality. Gordon is a member of numerous civil rights organizations and groups and currently serves as the national treasurer of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
He was educated in the Iberville Parish School System in Plaquemine, Louisiana. He earned a degree in Behavioral Science from the University of Utah at Cedar Bluffs, Utah; in addition he earned a master of divinity from the AP Clay Bible College in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Early in his high school years he exemplified a dedication for freedom in Plaquemine, Louisiana where he was a student leader and helped to maintain order in the school.
“Spiver was a dedicated Freedom Fighter, when we became aware of his civil rights activities we grabbed hold of him and chose him to lead the Youth Chapter of our National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1959,” Bill Harleaux, a civil rights leader and educator of Plaquemine, Louisiana, said.
After serving two years the United States Army in the states and in West Germany, Gordon was honorably discharged, returned home and resumed the fight for freedom, justice, and equality whenever and wherever there was a cause. Gordon was often serving on the front line, singing and leading the line in the march.
During one of the non-violent marches of Dr. King there were times when Gordon felt that his life was in danger. He was run over by a team of horses, and in 1964 a white deputy placed a 38 magnum in his face and threatened to blow his head off for “talking back” Gordon said.
Gordon marched for his community as well as those affected in other parts of the country. The members of Christian Light CP Church in Eutaw, AL, where he still serves as an elder, often participated in the marches. Issues that affected his community also affected others in other parts of the country.
In 1965, Gordon marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama and has marched every year since.
“I realized these marches are not about making history but bringing and keeping important social issues in the forefront. The destructive Viet Nam War and the significance of it were brought to the attention,” Gordon said.
Gordon says this young generation should keep the movement for freedom and equality as an important part of their daily lives.
Gordon has been described as a deeply religious man of God. He wants this generation to remember this, “we are in a battle against sin and evil and we must take a stand against wrong no matter what direction it comes from. God’s call for us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and do good to everyone is just as relevant today as it was when Jesus walked and preached in this world.”
More often than not, with the changing of political parties during elections, also comes changes in bills and laws. This is the current situation with the changing of political parties in the 2020 presidential election. One prime example is the move to strike down parts of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Gordon says it is a continuous effort to deny black and brown people of their civil and human rights.
“Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema’ positions on the Filibuster Rule are very disturbing, disappointing, and actually borders on rank racism. Their vote gives aid and comfort to the racist Republicans who wish to keep the Old Jim Crow Law (Filibuster Rule) alive today. It’s outrageous and disgusting” said Gordon.
Congressman John Lewis’ thoughts would be the same if he was still alive. He would say to the world as he said marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, “Stand in the way” practice “Good trouble and don’t let anyone turn you around.”