Nonviolent

“James Lawson Jr. is perhaps the most important American of the post–World War II period whose significance has not been sufficiently appreciated by a wide audience. This memoir should change that. In his trademark voice of compassion and reason, Lawson takes us on an illuminating journey to the heart of the freedom movements of the 1960s and beyond. Without his tutelage in nonviolence and his steadfastness amid storm, we would be living in a different, less just nation… . A towering book by a giant of a man.”—Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of And There Was Light“This book is a gift to be treasured, from a man who has already given so much. James Lawson Jr. was one of America’s great teachers and unsung heroes. Here, in his own words, he tells a story that seems almost impossible to believe, about a group of freedom-loving nonviolent crusaders who worked to build a more just and loving society. If it happened once, it can happen again, and Reverend Lawson shows us the way in these glorious, searing, hopeful pages… . An essential read, now and forever.”—Jonathan Eig, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of King: A Life“If there is an unsung hero of the twentieth century who changed the world, it’s Rev. James Lawson. He was a brilliant thought leader, tactician, and the architect of nonviolent activism in the United States. At a time of escalating militarism, violence, fear, and retribution, this powerful memoir should be required reading. We should all be students of James Lawson, and this extraordinary book is a great place to start.”—Bryan Stevenson, New York Times bestselling author of Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption“What is school without the teacher? Reverend Lawson taught a generation of young civil rights leaders, from the Nashville Movement to SNCC, and paved the way for America’s modern fight to become a just Union. As we fight for yet another moral shift in this country, his story is essential, and could not be more timely.”—Joy-Ann Reid, New York Times bestselling author of Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America“This wonderful book is a powerful reminder that moral clarity can improve the world… . [Nonviolent] belongs in every library in the U.S. An expansive, inspiring autobiography by a crucial figure in the Civil Rights movement.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review“[A]n an engrossing behind-the-scenes look … While the memoir primarily serves as a humble, meticulous record of Lawson’s leadership in the 1960s and ’70s, the final act offers a fascinating glimpse of his more recent work with Los Angeles’s labor and immigrant rights movements. It adds up to a soul-stirring testament to the transformative power of ‘leading with love.’”—Publishers Weekly, starred review“[An] extraordinary life … Lawson’s remarkable memoir demonstrates how difficult social change can be, and how worthwhile the struggle is to live freely.”—BookPage

Rev. James Lawson Jr. was a pastor who was integral to the Civil Rights Movement and a key figure in ongoing campaigns for labor, gender, and immigrant rights. He introduced the tactical, philosophical, and spiritual facets of nonviolence to generations of activists, and inspired countless people worldwide to join in creating the beloved community.

Emily Yellin is a journalist, writer, and producer. A longtime contributor to The New York Times and author of two other books, she produced a ten-part video series, 1,300 Men- Memphis Strike ‘68, for The Root. She first met Rev. Lawson when she was five, while attending elementary school in Memphis with his eldest son, John.

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