Noted civil rights activist Rev. James Lawson Jr., renowned for teaching nonviolent demonstration methods, has passed away at 95, according to his pastor.
James Lawson, a renowned peace activist, passed away in Los Angeles. The famous preacher was 95 years old.
Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1928, Lawson spent his early years in the shadows, as detailed in his biography provided by The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. In 1951, he made a bold decision to refuse military registration, landing him in prison. However, he was freed on parole the following year.
Later, Lawson journeyed to India on a mission to serve as a Christian missionary with the Methodist Church. During his time there, he studied Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence.
Returning to the United States in 1956, Lawson pursued theological studies at Oberlin College and Vanderbilt University. He crossed paths with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the very next year.
King, a civil rights leader, encouraged Lawson to spread nonviolence teachings to those in the Southern states. And that's what Lawson did. In 1957, he spearheaded workshops on nonviolence in Nashville, Tennessee, engaging both residents and students.
Inspired by a round of sit-ins in Greensboro, North Carolina, Lawson led a peaceful protest at downtown Nashville's commercial establishments. This led to his expulsion from Vanderbilt University in 1960 due to his involvement in the city's desegregation movement.
King, in his famous "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech on April 3, 1968 - his final public address - hailed Lawson and other preachers "fighting for the rights of his people." The speech was an emotional moment, packed with inspiration, and he commended Lawson and others for their efforts.
After King's tragic assassination, Lawson carried on with his civil rights work, collaborating with various organizations, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Throughout his career, Lawson served as the head pastor of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles for an impressive tenure of 25 years, from 1974 to 1999. He was a devoted teacher until the very end, continuing to lead nonviolence workshops even well into his 90s. The University of California at Los Angeles praised his accomplishments as a modern-day social justice icon.
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During his time in Los Angeles as head pastor of Holman United Methodist Church, Rev. James Lawson Jr. strongly influenced the community. The passing of Lawson, a prominent civil rights activist, was felt by many across the United States.
