Civil Rights Icon Rev. James Lawson Jr. Dies at 95

Rev. James Lawson Jr., a prominent civil rights leader known for training activists in nonviolent protest, passed away on Sunday at the age of 95. The news of his death was confirmed by Rev. Christian Washington, pastor at Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, where Lawson served as reverend emeritus.

Lawson, born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania in 1928, dedicated his life to fighting for social justice. In 1958, he crossed paths with the legendary Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who encouraged him to move to the South and teach others about nonviolence. Following King's advice, Lawson organized workshops on nonviolence for Nashville residents and students at Vanderbilt University and other institutions.

Lawson's activism gained momentum in Nashville, where he and fellow activists staged nonviolent protests at downtown stores, inspired by the lunch counter sit-ins in Greensboro, North Carolina. Unfortunately, Lawson's involvement in the desegregation movement led to his expulsion from Vanderbilt in 1960.

Despite the setback, Lawson remained undeterred in his pursuit of justice. His dedication to the cause was recognized by King, who praised Lawson and other preachers in his final speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop," delivered on April 3, 1968. King commended Lawson for his years of struggles and applauded his unwavering commitment to fighting for his people's rights.

Even after King's tragic assassination, Lawson continued his work with civil rights groups, notably the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. From 1974 to 1999, he served as the pastor of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles. During his tenure, Lawson conducted workshops on nonviolence, empowering countless individuals to advocate for change.

Lawson's impact extended beyond the church and civil rights movements. He also taught at the University of California Los Angeles' college of social sciences. University officials hailed him as one of the most influential social justice leaders of the twentieth century.

Throughout his lifetime, Rev. James Lawson Jr. exemplified the principles of nonviolent resistance and dedicated himself to the pursuit of equality and justice. His legacy will forever be remembered as a driving force in the civil rights movement, inspiring generations to carry on the fight for a more just and inclusive society.

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