Saunders Honors Rev. Lawson, Renowned Architect of Social Change

The Facts -

• • AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued a statement on the passing of Reverend James Lawson.

• • Lawson was a civil rights leader, deeply committed to nonviolent resistance, and a key figure in the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike.

• • Saunders highlights Lawson's legacy inspiring future generations to fight for racial, social, and economic justice.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders on Reverend James Lawson's Passing

AFSCME President Lee Saunders spoke on Reverend James Lawson's recent passing:

"The world has lost a civil rights icon, an educator, activist, and pastor who was one of social change's influential architects in American history. Reverend James Lawson embodied nonviolent resistance, viewing it as both a moral duty and an effective approach to justice. Lawson's ties to AFSCME began with the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike. He rallied the faith community for the workers and encouraged his ally, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to join the movement. Yet, this was just one of Lawson's many labor movement campaigns. His belief in work's dignity was the foundation of his actions. Reverend Lawson, rest in power. Your legacy will inspire generations to pursue racial, social, and economic justice."

Lawson's impact on the civil rights movement and the labor union movement will remain significant, symbolizing the fight for equality and dignified work.

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