Washington D.C. – Following the announcement of the passing of civil rights leader Rev. James Lawson, People For the American Way President Svante Myrick and Board Chair Rev. Tim McDonald released the following statements:
“We are saddened by the passing of Rev. James Lawson, and deeply grateful for the life he lived,” said People For the American Way President Svante Myrick. “Rev. Lawson worked closely with Dr. King to advance the cause of nonviolent protest and end state-sanctioned segregation in the South. He believed in rights and freedom for all people: people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, workers. He was for peace and firmly opposed to war. He made our country a better place, we’re forever in his debt, and we will miss him deeply.”
“Rev. James Lawson was an inspiration and a guiding light for all of us, and now God has called him home,” said People For the American Way Board Chair Rev. Tim McDonald. “He leaves an incredible legacy. His leadership at the height of the civil rights movement of the 1960s transformed our country and established nonviolent, peaceful protest as a model for achieving social change. We honor his memory every day by never giving up on the fight for equity and dignity for all people.”
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About People For the American Way People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: http://www.pfaw.org