Rev. James Lawson was more than just a teacher, mentor and friend to me. He was a true inspiration and an embodiment of everything that is good and just in this world. As we mourn his passing, it is important for us to not only remember his legacy, but to also commit to honoring it.
I first met Rev. Lawson when I was a young student at Vanderbilt University in the early 1990s. At the time, I had no idea who he was or the impact he would have on my life. But as soon as I walked into his classroom, I knew I was in the presence of greatness.
Rev. Lawson was not your typical teacher. He didn’t just stand at the front of the room and lecture. He engaged with his students, challenged us to think critically, and encouraged us to question the status quo. He taught us about the history of nonviolent resistance and the power of peaceful protest. But more importantly, he taught us about the importance of standing up for what we believe in and fighting for justice and equality.
As a young Black student, Rev. Lawson’s teachings resonated with me on a deep level. He showed me that I had a voice and that I could use it to make a difference. He taught me that change is possible, but it takes dedication, perseverance, and above all, love.
Outside of the classroom, Rev. Lawson became a mentor to me. He took the time to get to know me on a personal level and provided guidance and support whenever I needed it. He never judged me or belittled me, but instead, he listened and offered wise advice. I will forever be grateful for his presence in my life during those formative years.
But perhaps the most impactful aspect of my relationship with Rev. Lawson was the friendship we developed. Despite the significant age difference, we connected on a deep level. He treated me as an equal and we shared many meaningful conversations about the state of the world and our hopes for the future. He never looked down on me, but instead, he lifted me up and inspired me to be the best version of myself.
Rev. Lawson’s impact extended far beyond the walls of his classroom or our personal interactions. He was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the fight for racial equality. He was a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and played a crucial role in organizing sit-ins and other nonviolent protests throughout the South.
But even in his later years, Rev. Lawson never stopped fighting for justice. He continued to be a vocal advocate for marginalized communities and a champion for nonviolent change. His unwavering dedication to the cause was truly remarkable and serves as a shining example for all of us.
Now, as we mourn the loss of this incredible man, it is up to us to carry on his legacy. We must commit to honoring Rev. Lawson’s teachings and ideals by continuing the fight for justice and equality. We must use our voices and our actions to create a better world, just as he did.
But honoring Rev. Lawson’s legacy also means embodying the values he lived by. We must strive to be compassionate, empathetic, and loving towards one another. We must reject hate and division and instead, promote unity and understanding. We must also continue to educate ourselves and others about the history of social justice movements and the power of nonviolent resistance.
Rev. Lawson once said, “The nonviolent approach does not immediately change the social order, but it does change the hearts of men and women who are in the social order.” Let us remember these words and continue to spread love and compassion in our communities, just as he did.
In conclusion, Rev. James Lawson was much more than just a teacher, mentor, or friend. He was a true leader, a visionary, and a hero. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to know him and learn from him. Let us honor his memory by committing to carry on his work and creating a better, more just world for all. Rest in power, Rev. Lawson. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
