Relying on his cane and the arm of editor Richard Goode, professor of history, Will Campbell made his way in front of the Beaman Library audience recently for a question-and-answer session for his new book, Writings on Reconciliation and Resistance.
The March 9 appearance of Campbell, 86, attracted a range of listeners, from Lipscomb students to older adults. Some of the older attendees turned out to be Campbell’s friends who came to support him.
In his younger years, Campbell was a civil rights activist. His beliefs on equality are still a defining factor in his character.
Campbell’s biggest struggle today is sharing his ideas with a much younger, technological world. Campbell faces new hurdles in communicating with his audience.
“In his later years more people want to hear him,” John Egerton, Campbell’s long time friend and car driver for the day, said. “By the time he was able to (reach a wider audience) he had less vigor.”
Although Campbell’s age has produced new communication difficulties, people such as Goode recognize the importance in preserving his ideas.
“The publisher contacted me and asked me f I would work on this project,” Goode said. Once on board, Goode began digging through archived works and interviewing Campbell to compile information.
“Be as small as you can be, and have a beautiful library and a beautiful lady to run it,” Campbell said about how Christian schools should act. “Be proud of an answer like that.”