Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., who passed away last week at the age of 95, was an unparalleled figure in the civil rights movement and the long-time pastor of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles. His legacy is a testament to the power of nonviolent resistance and the relentless pursuit of justice, themes that resonate deeply as we celebrate Juneteenth.
Reverend Lawson was a master teacher, both in the literal and figurative sense. His journey in the civil rights movement was marked by a dedicated commitment to nonviolence, which was inspired by his studies of Gandhi philosophy with Ghandi himself in India. He trained countless activists in civil disobedience, including the participants of the Nashville lunch counter sit-ins and the Freedom Rides, emphasizing the importance of discipline and respect in the face of hostility.
As we commemorate Juneteenth, the anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, Rev. Lawson’s life offers a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for true freedom and equality. Juneteenth not only celebrates the end of slavery, but it also calls us to reflect on the continuing fight against the remnants of racism, sexism, and economic inequality—what Revered Lawson referred to as “the poisons of racism, sexism, violence and plantation capitalism.”
To honor Rev. Lawson is to evangelize his unshakeable commitment to justice, his passion for truth, and his peaceful resolve.
As we reflect on our upcoming Juneteenth holiday, let us draw inspiration from his life, recognizing that the path to true freedom is paved with courage, empathy, and an unyielding quest for justice. Reverend Lawson believed in the positive force of one’s legacy and the potential for transformation in every individual.
His life teaches us that, even in times of fear and uncertainty, the pursuit of justice and the belief in a better world must never waver.
