HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF REVEREND PHIL LAWSON

HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF REVEREND PHIL LAWSON

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E159] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF REVEREND PHIL LAWSON ______ HON. JOHN GARAMENDI of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with Representative Mark DeSaulnier to pay tribute to the Reverend Phil Lawson, a distinguished civil rights leader, pastor, and tireless advocate for social justice. Reverend Lawson passed away on January 26, 2025, at the age of 92. Throughout his life, Reverend Lawson dedicated his life to the pursuit of equality, compassion, and nonviolence. Growing up in a family deeply committed to faith and social justice, Reverend Lawson was instilled with values that would guide his life's work. He diligently pursued higher education, earning degrees from Kent State University, Butler University, Methodist Theological Seminary, and Colgate Rochester Divinity School. Starting at the age of 15, Reverend Lawson committed himself to justice and peace movements, participating in the Fellowship Reconciliation and studying non-violent direct action (NVDA) interventions under the leadership of Bayard Ruskin and George Houser in Washington, D.C. Later, he joined the Army band in a non-combatant status and served from 1953 to 1956. In the late 1960's and 1970's, Reverend Lawson emerged as a powerful voice for the civil rights movement. He participated in significant events such as the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice. In addition, he served as the director of the Methodist Inner City Parish in Kansas City, Missouri, where under his leadership, the Inner City Parish played a pivotal role in organizing community initiatives, including working with the Black Panther Party and the Welfare Rights Organization to support and empower Black youth. Following his time in Kansas City, he transitioned to public service, working for the City of Berkeley as the Director of Program Development and Contract Administration from 1974 to 1980. Further, Reverend Lawson broke racial barriers as the first Black pastor of both El Cerrito UMC and First UMC in Vallejo. In 1992, Reverend Lawson was appointed to lead the Easter Hill United Methodist Church (UMC) in Richmond, California, where he served with distinction for decades. He was instrumental in founding and supporting numerous organizations dedicated to social equity, including the East Bay Housing Organization (EBHO), the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP), and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration. His advocacy encompassed a broad spectrum of issues, from racial equality to immigration reform and homelessness. Reverend Lawson's commitment to nonviolence and social justice was evident throughout his life. He often emphasized that nonviolence was not merely an option but the only path toward true community. His contributions were recognized in 2003 when he was honored as Contra Costa County's Humanitarian of the Year. Reverend Lawson will be remembered for his outstanding character and for the incredible impact he's had on our community. Please join us in recognizing Reverend Phil Lawson for his many contributions to our community. ____________________