Reverend James Lawson passed away earlier this week. Even into his early 90s, Reverend Lawson continued to carry the mantle for social justice in America – mentoring, teaching, speaking, preaching, and energizing.

At the California Endowment, our core strategy and “theory of impact” draws inspiration from Reverend Lawson: People Power. The idea that by optimizing the principles of peaceful democratic and civic participation one could exert moral, spiritual, and strategic influence over systems and policies that stand in the way of our nation as The Beloved Community. Our nation’s Civil Rights Movement and current-day activism for social and racial justice has Reverence Lawson as our guide, navigator, and inspiration. Personally, no two human beings have influenced my thinking and social justice consciousness more than Reverend James Lawson and the equally legendary Dolores Huerta.

We love you, Reverend Lawson. Wishing for peace and the Creator’s warm embrace around you and your family during this time.

Bob Ross