James Lawson

“We will accept the violence and the hate, absorbing it without returning it.” - James Lawson

During our visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, I came across this quote. Little did I know the impact of James Lawson. His name is less recognizable, but he had a hand in most of the major nonviolent protests in the Civil Rights Movement. Lawson studied satyagraha in India,    teachings of Mohandas Gandhi. Lawson brought back these teachings to the US, and eventually came into contact with Dr. King. Lawson’s role became teaching nonviolence to people. Thus his influence in the freedom rides, sit-ins, and other protests is felt through his students, and Lawson did march as well. When we discuss the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, it is important to remember those like James Lawson who dedicated their time to lifting up others into the movement. Organization and education are just as important as leadership in social movements. 

Owen