Honoring the Legacy of The Rev. Dr. James Lawson Jr.

Photo courtesy of UMNews

With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of The Rev. Dr. James Lawson Jr. on June 9, 2024. He was a distinguished leader in the United Methodist Church and a revered civil rights activist.

Rev. Lawson's legacy began in 1959 when he led nonviolence workshops that led the successful campaign to desegregate lunch counters in Nashville, Tennessee. Inspired by Christ's suffering, he empowered both black and white students to organize sit-ins and other actions that confronted the immorality of segregation.

Rev. Lawson's influence extended widely as a key organizer of the Freedom Rides in 1961 and the Meredith March in 1966. While serving at Centenary Methodist Church in Memphis, he significantly contributed to the 1968 sanitation workers' strike. His efforts earned high praise from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who described him as "the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world."

In 1974, Rev. Lawson moved to Los Angeles to serve as pastor of Holman Methodist Church. There, he hosted "Lawson Live," a weekly call-in show addressing social and human rights issues. He continued his activism by speaking out against racism, the Cold War, and U.S. military involvements. Even in retirement, Rev. Lawson championed the causes of justice, protesting with Janitors for Justice in Los Angeles and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Cleveland.

Rev. Dr. James Lawson Jr. will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice and equity. As he profoundly stated, "No human being in the sight of God is illegal."

May his legacy continue to inspire us all.