Rev. James Lawson, an Unsung Hero of the Civil Rights Movement

“Through non-violence, courage displaces fear; love transforms hate. Acceptance dissipates prejudice; hope ends despair.

Peace dominates war; faith reconciles doubt. Mutual regard cancels enmity. Justice for all over throws injustice. The redemptive community supersedes systems of gross social immorality.” – Rev. James Lawson

History attributes the success of the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20th Century to non-violence. The stoicism and quiet dignity of the marchers, the Freedom Riders, and the lunch counter sitters stood in stark contrast to the brutality of the segregationists. Scenes of the confrontation, beamed via television into America’s living rooms and splashed across newspaper pages, shocked our collective conscience and galvanized support for the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act.

No one can claim more credit for that hard-won success than Rev. James Lawson, who passed away last week at the age of 95.

He was a driving force behind most of the major civil rights actions of the era. His seminars on non-violence steeled young demonstrators against the inhuman violence they were to experience. He sought understanding and reconciliation with those who opposed him.

He also was a friend to the Urban League who frequently attended the Los Angeles affiliate’s annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Gala.