Vincent Gordon Harding was an American historian, theologian, and civil rights activist. He was born on July 25, 1931, in Harlem, New York City, and passed away on May 19, 2014. Harding played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. He worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and served as a speechwriter and adviser to King during the 1960s. Harding’s contributions to the movement included organizing and participating in nonviolent protests and advocating for racial justice and equality.
After King’s assassination in 1968, Harding became a prominent scholar and continued his work in the field of African-American history and social justice. He co-founded the Institute of the Black World in Atlanta, Georgia, which aimed to support and develop black intellectual and activist leaders.
Harding was also a professor and taught at several institutions, including Spelman College and Iliff School of Theology. He wrote extensively on various topics, including African-American history, nonviolence, and the intersections of faith and social justice. One of his notable works is the book “There is a River: The Black Struggle for Freedom in America,” which explores the history and contributions of African-Americans in the struggle for freedom and justice.
Throughout his life, Vincent G. Harding remained committed to advocating for civil rights and social change. His scholarship, activism, and partnership with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left a lasting impact on the fight for racial equality in the United States.