[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.

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