Nonviolence and Social Movements: The Teachings of Rev. James Lawson, Jr.

by Kent Wong, Ana Luz Gonzalez

This book grew out of Dr. Lawson's course, Nonviolence and Social Movements, taught at the UCLA Center for Labor Research and Education, and includes the major tenets of Lawson's teaching on nonviolence drawn from Gandhi, as well as four case studies where nonviolence was used ot bring about social change

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

136 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Drick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rev. James Lawson is a legendary figure, if not largely unknown of the Civil Rights Movement, as they trainer and ultimate architect of the non-violent direct action techniques of the Civil Rights Movement and several other subsequent movements. The humility he displays in life is contained in this book. Though the book is subtitled "The Teachings of James Lawson" that is really only the first chapter. The next five chapters are stories form various social movements using nonviolence in a variety of settings and forms. While the stories clearly illustrated non-violence principles in action, as well as the various strategies that fall under the umbrella of non-violence (e.g. sit-ins, boycotts, occupations, calling campaigns, marches, fasts, etc). This was the real value of the book. However, I would have liked more in-depth discussion of Gandhi, Scripture, King and other sources for non-violence, as well as the ways one determines what strategy to employ. Also as one who has been involved in various campaigns that did not achieve their objective, more discussion of those interim struggles (which all of the examples had) would have been helpful. This does not take away form Rev. Lawson, but rather indicates my desire for more.

[Mallory Everhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5) - Very good for what it is but a little misleading as far as what I was expecting. I was thinking I was getting a download of information from Rev. Lawson, a wise elder from the Southern Freedom Movement. This book could be more closely described as case studies in how the philosophy of nonviolence employed during the Southern Freedom Movement has been adapted to fit other campaigns. The profiles on the campaigns were detailed and introduced key organizations and figures in different types of organizing over the last 60 or so years. Good information for people who want to know the history and identify effective tools for direct action. Glad I read it!

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a continuing edu course on movement chaplaincy. It’s a essential history of nonviolent organizing from a U.S. context and a great tribute to Lawson’s cross-movement commitment to liberation. A really enlightening, scholarly read.