Rev. James Lawson Jr., an icon of the Civil Rights Movement and one of the original Freedom Riders, died on Sunday, June 10, at the age of 95. His family announced his passing on Monday — and immediately an outpouring of admiration and reverence for the hero followed.
The National Civil Rights Museum issued a lengthy statement about Lawson’s life and contributions. An excerpt:
“The National Civil Rights Museum is deeply saddened by the passing of civil rights philosopher and strategist, Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr….. Rev. Lawson was a friend and guiding light to those who loved equality, justice, and peace. He leaves a long legacy of love and quieted strength in the name of human rights. He will be sorely missed throughout the world.”
The below statement is from Kermit Moore, Jr., president, NAACP Memphis Branch.
“It is with great sadness that the NAACP Memphis Branch honors the life of Civil Rights Pioneer and United Methodist Minister Rev. James Morris Lawson, Jr. His contribution to the nonviolence protests in the 1960’s will never be forgotten. Memphis will forever cherish his work during the 1968 Sanitation Strike. His legacy lives on through the countless activism up until his passing.” Kermit Moore, Jr., President, NAACP Memphis Branch.
Here are some:
The King Center mourns Rev. James Lawson Jr., a leading nonviolent strategist whose insight was deeply valued by Dr. King. Rev. Lawson, who died at 95, profoundly impacted the Civil Rights Movement, training leaders like John Lewis and Diane Nash. Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/CK6ZeS9q1A
— The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center (@TheKingCenter) June 10, 2024
“The world won’t get no better if we just let it be.”
Rev. #JamesLawson Jr. embodied these lyrics.
He was a courageous nonviolent strategist who taught many to meet injustice with what my father called “soul force.”
My condolences to his family.
May his legacy live on. pic.twitter.com/d7WO2QRltb
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) June 10, 2024
My kid’s generation will be the last to meet a Civil Rights Movement Icon in person. I’ll never take this for granted & won’t allow them to either. Dr. James Lawson has transitioned from elder to ancestor, and it is our responsibility to keep his legacy alive. Rest well King! pic.twitter.com/5ciz3Y4Kqv
— Lonnell Matthews, Jr (@LoForLiteracy) June 10, 2024
We just lost a moral giant and spiritual genius- Rev. James Lawson,
one of the greatest freedom fighters of our time! His courage and compassion was incredible! His prophetic witness shall forever burn in my heart! #PropheticFire #RevJamesLawson
#TruthJusticeLove pic.twitter.com/Wk1bQ80Mky— Cornel West (@CornelWest) June 10, 2024
Do you have memories of Rev. Lawson or words of condolences to share? Email us at editorial@tsdmemphis.com.