Overview
- His daughter, V. Elizabeth Perkins, confirmed he died March 13 at home surrounded by family.
- He founded the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation and co-founded the Christian Community Development Association.
- In 1960s Mendenhall, he led voter registration and school desegregation efforts and, according to the John Perkins Center, endured harassment, imprisonment and beatings.
- Tributes from leaders including Trevin Wax and Jemar Tisby praised his witness to love, justice and reconciliation.
- He authored One Blood, He Calls Me Friend and Count It All Joy, and his family noted he received 19 honorary doctorates.