Annual Golf Event Supports Education and Civic Engagement
The memory and impact of civil rights icon and Macomb native C.T. Vivian will be honored this Saturday through the third annual C.T. Vivian Foundation Golf Outing. The event, held at Western Illinois University’s Harry Mussatto Golf Course, aims to raise funds for scholarships benefiting local students, continuing Vivian’s legacy of advocacy and education.
Tee time is set for 10 a.m., and participants can register either online or in person at the course. The outing serves as more than just a day of golf—it’s a celebration of Vivian’s life and work, with proceeds directly supporting students in the community he once called home.
Honoring a Civil Rights Pioneer
C.T. Vivian, a close confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was a tireless advocate for civil rights and social justice. Throughout his life, he played a significant role in the fight for equality, culminating in the receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2013. Vivian’s efforts left an indelible mark on American history, and the Foundation named in his honor continues to build on his mission.
“The vast majority of what we should do should be focused on building a future,” said Byron K. Oden-Shabazz, President and Founder of the C.T. Vivian Foundation. “And if we’re going to have children that understand what happened in the past to make the future better, we have to create a space for that.”
Launching a $3 Million Capital Campaign
In conjunction with the golf outing, the Foundation is launching a $3 million capital campaign to fund the construction of the C.T. Vivian Center for Civic and Social Engagement. The center will be built on the site of Vivian’s childhood home on E. Adams Street in Macomb and is envisioned as a hub for education, culture, and community dialogue.
Plans for the facility include spaces for music instruction, broadcasting seminars, keynote speaking events, and cultural arts education. A key component of the center will be the creation of a safe and inclusive environment where students can engage in thoughtful discussions about race, ethnicity, and social acceptance—topics central to Vivian’s lifelong work.
A Community Landmark in the Making
The goal is not only to honor Vivian’s legacy but also to provide a lasting resource for the community. Oden-Shabazz envisions the center as a beacon of hope and learning that will empower future generations to carry forward the values of equality and justice.
The Foundation also hopes to have the site officially recognized as a stop along the Civil Rights Tour, adding historical significance to its educational mission. This designation would place Macomb on the map alongside other key locations in the American civil rights journey.
The current target for completing the C.T. Vivian Center is 2029, giving planners and supporters ample time to bring the ambitious project to life. Community engagement and donor contributions will play a critical role in reaching that milestone.
How to Participate and Support
Saturday’s golf outing provides an opportunity for community members, students, and supporters to contribute to these goals. Whether through participating in the tournament, volunteering, or making a donation, every action helps advance the Foundation’s mission.
Golfers can enjoy a day on the green while knowing their participation directly supports educational opportunities for local youth. All proceeds from the outing go toward scholarships and planning for the new civic center, ensuring that C.T. Vivian’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift.
For those interested in joining the event, registration remains open online and will also be available on-site. With a 10 a.m. tee time, participants are encouraged to arrive early to check in and prepare for a day dedicated to unity, remembrance, and community building.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.