[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                     HONORING REVEREND PHIL LAWSON

  (Mr. DeSAULNIER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Reverend Phil Lawson, a civil rights leader, pastor, tireless advocate 
for social justice, mentor, and friend.
  From a young age, Reverend Lawson committed himself to faith and 
peace, studying nonviolent direct action under the leadership of Bayard 
Rustin. He emerged as a powerful voice for civil rights, participating 
in events like the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches alongside 
his friend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  After leading a Methodist parish in Kansas City, Reverend Lawson took 
a job with the city of Berkeley, California. He later served in roles 
at two local Methodist parishes before being appointed to lead the 
Easter Hill United Methodist Church in Richmond, California. His work 
on social justice issues earned him recognition as the Contra Costa 
County Humanitarian of the Year in 2003.
  After a distinguished life of service, Reverend Lawson passed away 
earlier this year at the age of 92. He will be remembered for his 
outstanding character and his deep impact on this country and our 
community in California.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Reverend Phil 
Lawson.

                          ____________________