By: Elgin Nelson, Staff
Rev. James Lawson Jr., one of the most influential architects of the civil rights movement, will officially be recognized on his 95th birthday by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors. The board has declared that Friday, September 22, 2023, will be known as Rev. James Lawson Jr. Day.
The board aims to make this day one that celebrates Lawson’s “remarkable achievements to advance his philosophy of nonviolence, end racial discrimination, strengthen workers’ rights, and promote human dignity.”
Rev. Lawson appeared earlier this month at an LA County board meeting to express his underlying gratitude for acknowledging this special day. “I want to commend the supervisors again and again because what you do & what you are working on are things that help us build the Kingdom of God on Earth,” Lawson said.
He further expressed the importance of government and its impact on people by saying, “Government must be for the people, for all people…. and the dignity of every human being must be reflected in our personal behavior.”
This October, the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs alongside its Anti-Racism Diversity and Inclusion Initiative partnered with Lawson to create an awareness campaign to help inform unincorporated communities about their rights and protections in the workforce.
Holly Mitchell, a Los Angeles Supervisor serving its 2nd District, understood the importance of making this day a reality as well as supporting Lawson’s continued efforts in civil rights initiatives.
“Rev. Lawson is a titan among us who has helped write the blueprint for standing up to racism and winning hard fought battles for our shared humanity with non-violence at the core. I look forward to September 22 being recognized across LA County and more residents being equipped with the resources and support to protect their rights,” Mitchell said.
In 1974, Lawson moved to Los Angeles and immediately placed his stake in the city becoming President of SCLC’s (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) Los Angeles chapter. He also served as the pastor of Holman Methodist Church from 1974 to 1999.