The Life of James Lawson
Storyboard Text
- "Let today be the day where we..."
- When James Lawson checked the mail, he was met with a letter informing him that he'd been drafted into the Korean War.
- This is going to be tough, but I know I've made the right decision.
- Off to India I go!
- Gandhi! It is a true pleasure and honor to meet you.
- Welcome to Nagpur, Reverend.
- I have so much to teach you! We will start with the principle of Satyagraha...
- Rev. Lawson headed back home from India with so much great new information-- it would all come in hand very soon.
- Now that I'm back in the states, it's time to get to work... there's much to be done!
- Known for his contributions to the civil rights movement as a champion and teacher of nonviolence, Rev. James Lawson has lived a noble life. Today, one of his famous quotes is, "The forces of violence and economic deprivation and cruelty, the forces of evil, which are so well organized today in the United States, cannot prevail. They are on the wrong side of the human spirit, they are on the wrong side of history".
- From a pretty young age, Lawson had already defined himself as somebody who would chase his passions.If need be, he'd break barriers and think outside the box to do so.It was in 1951, at the age of 23, that he made his first leap into the world of civil disobedience.
- As a young man still pursuing his college education at Baldwin Wallace College in Ohio, James Lawson was drafted into the military-- but there was one issue. He didn't much care to go.So, the young, bright mind decided to do what he knew was right for him.
- He refused to be drafted, and took the consequence that came with his choice (about two years in prison).In the end, the experience would prove to be of help later. It was the first but not the last time Lawson would find himself arrested, or in jail.
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- Following his incarceration, Rev. James Lawson got right back to work doing the things he knew were important.Faith was always a large part of his life. He got his ministry certification in his senior year of high school!
- Following the calling of his faith, Lawson traveled to Napur, India, were he spent time there as a Methodist missionary. Here, he would meet a special individual from whom he would learn very, very much.
- Following the calling of his faith, Lawson traveled to India to visit a Methodist Ministry.
- During his time in India, Lawson studied Satyagraha. This is a method of nonviolence resistance which was developed by Mahatma Gandhi and his followers.
- It is undeniable that crossing paths with Gandhi was one of the most pinnacle points in James Lawson's life. Gandhi paved the way for all forms of nonviolent and peaceful forms of resistance, advocacy, etc.
- By learning from Gandhi, Lawson was gaining tools in his belt that would come to great use later in his life. By the time he made his way back to the United States he had a new understanding of the power of nonviolent resistance.
- Through missionary work, Lawson had already developed a life in public service. However, what Lawson would do with this newfound knowledge was greatly shaped by another mentor and role model figure in his life .
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