NASHVILLE, Tenn.: Vanderbilt University announced the launch of the James Lawson Institute for the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements, which honors the influential activist who taught nonviolence to protesters during the civil rights struggle of the last century.
The university said that the Rev. Lawson has influenced our collective conscience through his ministry and faith-based nonviolent organizing. The institute will begin operations this fall, hosting workshops, seminars and learning opportunities to train community organizers.
As a divinity student at Vanderbilt University, Lawson was instrumental in training field college students in nonviolent methods during the civil rights struggle that sat at secluded lunch counters in downtown Nashville.
Lawson’s involvement in the rights movement in Nashville and elsewhere resulted in a vote to expel him in 1960 by the executive committee of the Vanderbilt Board of Trust. While a settlement plan offered him the opportunity to complete his degree, Lawson enrolled at Boston University.
Lawson has since donated a significant portion of his papers to Vanderbilt University.
As (Lawson) has taught throughout his career, there can be no meaningful change and progress that bridges the divide in our country without reconciliation and forgiveness, Chancellor Daniel Dearmeier said in a statement.
Most recently, Lawson drew criticism on behalf of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee during a celebration honoring the late U.S. Representative John Lewis, another civil rights pioneer.
There’s a hole in the middle of your soul, Lawson said to Lee’s applause and cheers. You act like you act because you are headed in the wrong direction of your life.
Lawson did not specify what exactly the Tennessee governor had done to get the reprimand. Lee’s office did not respond.
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