    [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.

                              ____________________