The Movement Makes Us Human: An Interview with Dr. Vincent Harding on Mennonites Vietnam and Mlk

How is it that the person who created and defined the field of Black Studies and drafted Dr. Martin Luther King Jrs prophetic Beyond Vietnam speech needs an introduction even in movement circles today? In this provocative and poignant interview Dr. Vincent Harding reflects on the communities that shaped his early life compelled him to join movements for justice and sustained his ongoing transformation. He challenges those committed to justice today to consider the enduring power of nonviolent social change and to root out white supremacy in all of its forms. With his relentless commitment to education and relationship-building across lines of difference Harding never doubted the capacity of people to create the world we need. Vincent Harding was our greatest teacher of the movement in both senses: historian of (and participant in) the Southern Freedom Struggle; and then animator of (and sage among) its many offspring. This intimate wide-ranging interview of a formidable elder by a young Mennonite pastor-activist can serve as a primer on Hardings fascinating journey and remarkable work. He was a pastor and curator of spirit to so many of us in contemporary social movements and these pages offer his counsel on how to be human to a new generation. --Ched Myers and Elaine Enns Authors of Ambassadors of Reconciliation Vincent and Rosemarie Freeney Harding lived democracy as a religious quest. They defined democracy as breathing space and democratic movements as those that make us human. Shenks interviews with Vincent Harding reveal one of Americas most significant freedom struggle leaders reviewing his remarkable life. Together with this younger colleague Harding reflects on the provocative momentous questions facing Americans today--and on what will be necessary to make room to breathe for all. --Rose Marie Berger Senior Associate Editor Sojourners Magazine Reader be warned The Movement Makes Us Human isnt the hot new thing to consume quickly to keep up with superficial water cooler banter. Within these pages are the concrete stories and wisdom that have emerged out of a life lived well with others. Hardings distinctive voice still compels us to join the river of struggle and inspires us towards a deeper humanity a more courageous faith and a more just society. Read it with care! --Drew G. I. Hart Assistant Professor of Theology Messiah College Joanna Shenk is Associate Pastor at First Mennonite Church of San Francisco and co-producer of The Iconocast podcast. She is a writer networker activist and educator. She is author of Widening the Circle: Experiments in Christian Discipleship.