Posted on 06/11/2024
Dear Neighbors,
On June 9, we lost one of the founding fathers of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, Rev. James Lawson Jr.
Ever humble and steadfast, Rev. Lawson was a giant among us. His name is synonymous with justice, compassion, and unity. Profoundly influenced by luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi, he became a pioneer of nonviolent protest in his own right, rising to become one of the foremost civil rights strategists alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As a key figure in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Rev. Lawson empowered others and fostered change through nonviolence. In his longtime role as pastor at Holman United Methodist Church, he provided comfort and hope to families in South LA. As a labor movement organizer, he led efforts to organize workers and secure a historic union contract at SoFi Stadium. His commitment never faltered. He mentored other greats, such as civil rights leader and politician John Lewis, guiding them under his wings.
For me, Rev. Lawson's voice has been a constant reminder that the fight for equality knows no bounds. As we mourn his passing, let us be inspired by his legacy to continue the vital work of building a more just and equitable society for all.
Rest in power, Rev. Lawson.
