Revolutionary Nonviolence

Jim Lawson is a peerless teacher, beloved role model, and prophet of nonviolence who guided Dr. King and thousands of young leaders of all races and ages, including me, in seeking racial and economic justice. This essential collection of his visionary teaching is more necessary today than ever.—Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president emerita, Children's Defense Fund   The United Farm Workers embraced the philosophy of nonviolence as did Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders of the Civil Rights Movement who led powerful movements for justice through nonviolence. Revolutionary Nonviolence captures the unique, valuable teachings of Rev. James Lawson Jr. This is the handbook and guide to how to build a just and democratic society, and a must-read for all.—Dolores Huerta, cofounder of the United Farm Workers of America and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation  When Rev. Lawson taught nonviolence workshops for SCLC, Dr. King made a point of sitting in the front row and taking notes. What a gift to have this collection of Rev. Lawson's teachings as we continue to need the power of nonviolence to reconstruct a society that works for everyone. Take notes, and get ready to put these lessons into practice.—Bishop William J. Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign and president of Repairers of the Breach  Rev. Lawson's wisdom and legacy of resilience shine through in Revolutionary Nonviolence as he demonstrates that struggle with precision and persistence is a critical part of our theory of change in movement building. Rev. Lawson's liberatory theology and investment in nonviolent values and practice is a discipline that urges us to lean into one another's ability to learn together instead of disposing one another. Over the many years we have had the privilege to learn from him, he has taught us that the commitment to justice is the commitment we make to love, respect, and hold one another accountable to justice. We are building a better world for all of us, and this book is a testament to that radical philosophy.—Patrisse Cullors, artist, abolitionist, and cofounder of #BlackLivesMatter  When I was first elected president of the Hotel Workers Union Local 11 in Los Angeles, Rev. Lawson taught us about the power of nonviolence. His teachings helped to transform hotel workers' lives, our union, and the Los Angeles labor movement. I will always cherish our friendship. I am confident this book will continue to inspire and guide generations to come on the connection between the philosophy of nonviolence and direct-action strategies.—Maria Elena Durazo, California State Senator