Reverend C.T. Vivian

Rev. C. T. Vivian is a living legend of the Civil Rights Movement and he continues his activism today, tirelessly working for the progress of African Americans and the civil and political rights of all peoples. An uplifting speaker, he has addressed audiences in 42 states, 10 countries, and on countless campuses nationwide on the issues of civil rights, non-violence, racism and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with whom he worked for many years.

A Baptist minister, his first use of non-violent direct action was in 1947, to end Peoria's segregated lunch counters. Later he founded the Nashville Christian Leadership Conference, organizing the first sit-ins there in 1960 and the first civil rights march in 1961. Rev. Vivian was a rider on the first "Freedom Bus" into Jackson, Mississippi, and went on to work along-side Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his Executive Staff in Birmingham, Selma, Chicago, Nashville. the March on Washington; Danville, Virginia; and St. Augustine, Florida. During the summer following the Selma Movement, Rev. Vivian conceived and directed an educational program, Vision, and put 702 Alabama students in college with scholarships. The program later became Upward Bound.

Rev. Vivian has been featured as an activist and an analyst in the civil rights documentary, "Eyes on the Prize," and has been featured in a PBS special, "The Healing Ministry of Dr. C. T. Vivian." He has made numerous appearances on "Oprah" as well as the "Montel Williams Show" and "Donahue." Rev. Vivian is the focus of the biography, Challenge and Change by Lydia Walker and he is author of Black Power and the American Myth, which was an Ebony Book Club Selection.

His leadership positions include Chairman of the Southern Organizing Committee Education Fund, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) the Black Action Strategies and Information Center (BASIC), and the Center for Democratic Renewal.

An eloquent and inspiring speaker, Rev. Vivian continues to speak out for racial justice and democracy.

Julia Butterfly Hill

Julia Butterfly Hill brought international attention to the plight of the world’s last remaining ancient forests when she climbed 180 feet into the branches of a 1000 year-old redwood tree and refused to come down.
Her historic protest to the environmental destruction caused by the clear-cutting of ancient redwoods culminated after 738 days with a negotiated agreement that provided permanent protection for the tree known as Luna and a 3 acre buffer-zone around it.
Julia Butterfly Hill is an activist, a writer and a poet.  She is the author of the national best seller The Legacy of Luna and the co-author of One Makes The Difference, both published by HarperSanFrancisco.   The audio release, Spiritual Activation, captures Julia’s vital message as it is given at standing-room-only appearances across the country.  All of Julia’s books (and the packaging for the CD) have been published with 100% post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based inks and chlorine-free processing, insisting on a standard of ecological sustainability in the publishing industry. 
The recipient of numerous prestigious awards and distinctive honors, Julia Butterfly Hill is one of the most internationally recognizable figures in environmental activism.  In 1999, she founded the non-profit organization, Circle of Life, to promote the sustainability, restoration and preservation of life.
Julia’s book, The Legacy of Luna, based on her personal account of the Luna tree-sit action, is slated to soon be made into a dramatic feature film.  As would be expected, the project is committed to establishing a “green set” standard for the film industry.  
Julia Butterfly Hill speaks regularly on university campuses, has addressed the United Nations, lobbied congress, and has continued to stand on the front lines of environmental and social justice issues all over the world.  Her courage, conviction and profound clarity in articulating a message of hope, empowerment and love and respect for all life has inspired millions of people worldwide. 

Marshall B. Rosenberg

 Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D., is the founder of the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC), an international, non-profit organization whose vision is a world where everyones needs are met peacefully. He is a prolific writer and speaker whose published works include Speak Peace in a World of Conflict, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (2nd Edition), Life-Enriching Education, numerous booklets and other written materials. CNVC emerged out of work he was doing with civil rights activists working to peacefully desegregate schools and other public institutions.

His work has been endorsed by many experts including Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Riane Eisler, Arun Gandhi, William Ury, Thomas Gordon, John Gray, and many others.