Rev. James Lawson speaks at John Lewis' funeral

Rev. James Lawson trained many future leaders of the civil rights movement, including a young John Lewis, in the practice of nonviolence. Lawson spoke at Lewis' funeral at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, and vowed, "We will not be quiet." Watch his full remarks.

[@jamosq2]

My god, this man is a national treasure

[@bongofury5924]

I think you meant disgrace....

[@bongofury5924]

Bitterness is quite a destructive soul cancer........

[@aregaali3587]

Bongo Fury truth hurts, eh brother !

[@aregaali3587]

Bongo Fury true, bitterness is not good but at times, you’ve got to tell the truth.

[@susandelear4349]

My thoughts exactly.

[@NatalyaCherry]

Thank you for making this available! I have spent the last five years (after meeting Rev. Lawson in 2013) writing, publishing, and speaking about him every chance I get, not because I am proud that he is my fellow United Methodist clergyperson, but because he is -- as many have said here -- a national (really, a global) treasure! In the words of the great Anne E. Streaty Wimberly, "Why don't more people know about Jim?!" Well, now, here's hoping y'all do!

[@Treebard]

Thank you for all you do! I heard about him through my friend Annabeth who lives in Atlanta and has heard Rev. Lawson speak many times, I think.

[@leonorlizardo5867]

Rev. Lawson was on fire and what a send off to yet another Hero, John Lewis! I was honored to know Rev. Lawson when he was the Chair of SCLC in Los Angeles in the 1990’s. I served on the Board for over 10 years. Que viva John Lewis.

[@juliawright5758]

What a tribute to John Lewis! What a phenomenal speaker! I was mesmerized from the beginning until the end of his remarks! I must find the poem written by the Polish Priest! John Lewis walked fearlessly and was surrounded by others who did the same! Thank you Rev. Lawson!

[@izabelajoannabarry9361]

The author of the poem was not a priest. He was a poet, a professor of literature at Berkley and Nobel Prize winner. His name is Czesław Miłosz, and the title of the poem is "Meaning".

[@vickihigh5287]

Rev.Lawson is speaking to what we need to change to make sure our country shines with a bright light of truth. The vision of truth and freedom for all.

[@armandomeza2299]

People like this are the ones that make America

[@bryantworldwide4272]

John Lewis & James Lewis are WHAT MAKES AMERICA GREAT!!! We should ALL know who Rev Lawson is (original Freedom Riders)

[@denisemichael7353]

What an example of," be the an example of the believer's!" Both John Lewis and Reverend Lawson! Thank you God for allowing us to be blessed with the presence of both of these men in our lifetime!

[@ernestinetillett125]

What a blessing to watch this 91 year old alert awesome spokesman full of wisdom and strength speak well of John Robert Lewis.

[@whatyousay9816]

... and how to stand up.

[@flavoredwallpaper]

This man is such a legend.

[@Aritul]

This speech was touching and inspiring. I think that it was an all around fitting tribute to Congressman Lewis.

His spirit is still young and excited!

[@bosswomen6315]

The architect of peace and non-violent protests. I loved it when he taught about the role of African-American women. My Mother is the strongest woman I know. She's amazing, and did so much with so little. She's always been fully behind civil rights for all. My hero.

[@sharonlinder4203]

This speech was so powerful. This man dodged the draft and was jailed for the cause. The best speech. His appearance reminded me of Frederick Douglas. He is my hero. He reminds us of The Sacrifice. He actually went to India to STUDY the art of non violent demonstration. God bless these men. When I get frustrated and down.....I will listen to this speech. Sisters and brothers. We must carry on.

[@whatyousay9816]

you said it all!!! There is nothing left to say. By the way why should he go fight a war and he was not even recognize as being a man. A true icon!!!

[@nvwms2353]

Ever feel like you wasted your life when you recognize Greatness & Grace in those like John R Lewis, and so many others who risked so much and made a difference in the world ?

[@janbattin4119]

I feel in many ways I've wasted my life shirking in the corner and believing I alone can not create change! It's proven every day that one can change the world!

[@NatalyaCherry]

@@janbattin4119 but you weren't wrong -- you alone, no...but as Rev. Lawson said of himself, Diane Nash, Martin King, Michael McCullough, CT Vivian, etc. etc., YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

[@janbattin4119]

@@NatalyaCherry Yes you have to "recruit" people that have the same idea and vision, albeit should be flexible. I really wish someone much younger would take the reins and start the momentum. Gretta did exactly that for Climate Change. It has to start somewhere.

[@kimberlyjackson580]

“We will not be quiet...” RIP John Lewis #GoodTrouble

[@ozymandiaspbs]

"... Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Do NOT go gentle into that good night."

[@958298bordeaux]

This was the highlight of the celebration of John Lewis' life to me.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

- The Reverend Lawson: what an inspiring speaker, one I will never forget.

[@susandelear4349]

Absolutely, yes.

[@susandelear4349]

Agree.

[@malicarter9622]

His mind is sharp as a tack. God bless this man with much more good health.

[@Treebard]

Amen!

[@countrypaul]

Thank you, Rev. Lawson. Thank you, Rep. Lewis. It is amazing to think that Rev. Lawson is 91 years old!

[@lillianbalkum5975]

Rev.Lawson is indeed a man of peace, and eloquence. Pay attention young people,his eyes has seen the movement from the very beginning. I will definitely miss Mr.John Lewis,let us never forget his sacrifice,and continue to do the work.Blessings!

[@gaignum792]

Good Lord! The man is 91. When you live a life of dignity, love, and compassion, it can take your breath away. God bless John Lewis. God bless James Lawson.

[@Jjley2715]

First time I have herd Rev. Lawson speak, but I will be during my research on him. He is blessed, he knows his history, and he was there. Thank you Rev Lawson for the experience and the knowledge. We all need to hear and know the truth. Lots of love to all who have fought for our civil rights.

[@joko09010]

Class and dignity. We are so in need of that right now. 😞

[@fksons4161]

What a powerful speech rooted in history and realism.

[@alexisfrank3585]

Ummm, pretty sure I just fell in love with Reverend Lawson🤣. What a beautiful and lightened soul. His congregation is very blessed to have him so close to home.

[@ThePauprinceaz09]

His was theeeeee Most powerful speech that day Salute MR.LAWDON Salute

[@lisaskaggs3457]

Who I ask You, will be able to fill Mr.Lewis shoes to lead us into the future!!? I say to you my friends, IT WILL TAKE ALL OF US!!!

[@janbattin4119]

All races, colors and nationalities around the world! Please make the change, it's time, in fact it's way, way beyond time!

[@lisaskaggs3457]

@@janbattin4119 couldn't agree more my friend💞

[@minnietaylor3565]

He was masterful!!!

[@kathrinekerns8398]

God bless you man of God.

[@ozymandiaspbs]

Rev. Lawson's speech reminds me of the lines, "Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Do NOT go gentle into that good night." Rep. Lewis definitely did not go gently into that good night. He raged for many years & it is something to hear these people speak about his struggles for equality for ALL US citizens.

[@lunchbox1543]

R.I.P. John you will be missed. 😢

[@ByGraceBeauty]

WOW!! 1st time I've heard of him. Why??? #Profound #wise #legacy #legitimate #brilliant. He needs to do an audiobook NOW before we lose this history as well. God, bless him🙏

[@jeddafakee91]

plantation capitalism is a powerful name to describe the enemy. which also includes cruel foreign policies

[@Treebard]

I agree, that's a great term.

[@paullivingstone640]

Rev Lawson is a living prophet and soldier of nonviolence, what a great tribute to his brother in this cause, the great John Lewis.

[@thompitman]

This Speech holds at least 5 scholarly books for use in Higher Education on the evolution of Democracy, and (I pray) may it be so... TP

[@joshuabennett3122]

Thom please further expound.

[@whatyousay9816]

I agree. This is what the educational system is truly missing.

[@jessehenderson6915]

Powerful eulogy and a necessary message for all of us....

[@deelee5244]

Everyone spoke so nice about Mr. Lewis. Fly High ❤️❤️

[@gnlmiami]

I am glad this clip is posted. When I watched it live, I was mesmerized. It is a message that needs to be reviewed and studied regularly. Thank you, Rev. Lawson!

[@booreed7813]

What a world we could have if all world leaders had just an ounce of this dear man’s selfless compassion, integrity and an abundance of love for his fellow man.....just imagine. Thank you Rev James Lawson

[@marvalstith2749]

Magnificent message every person in this Nation should listen to; every person professing 'freedom' is the boilerplate to life under our Constitution and the key to achieving a good life. Thank you Rev. Lawson.

[@lbsimmons7319]

One of the greatest. I would like to hear more about him. I just sent my children this video.All children should have access to this moment.

[@russellchard]

Magnificent. Had me teary eyed through most of it. What a wonderful man.

[@mamagigi7134]

This man should be awarded a Metal of Freedom or something for his contributions to the Civil Rights movement. My God he's 90+ years old and still dynamic❣

[@alanhudson2999]

This man is walking wisdom, character, integrity, courage and more...He tirelessly taught soo many of the the doctrine of nonviolence and John Lewis like many others took up the cause...John Lewis made it his life..RIP Sir..take your rest..I know the Lord is pleased and proud to say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.'

[@hopebless4697]

How hungry we all are, starving, for the truths spoken here. That they may be allowed to heal and unite us. If we will only carry on and work towards a better future where such things are accepted norms, common place kindnesses that take us from our individual intakes of breath to the give and take breaths that bring us together.

[@whatyousay9816]

it's obvious that it will not be taught in the schools, it will be up to the parents to make sure they know.

[@discerningtruth6848]

Words cannot express how I feel about this moment in the history of the nation.

[@sherikalang8662]

Yes, Rev. Lawson! We will NOT be quiet! There is more work for us to do. Bless you, sir!

[@lucilleholland2950]

Thank you so much for your words of WISDOM!

[@alexandergomes3317]

What a speech pastor.

[@Defience12]

Beautiful

[@blackbrownbeige55]

Thank you Reverend James Lawson. BRILLIANCE You, my father, the late Rev. John N Doggett Jr Treasurer of The WCLC who was responsible for fundraising for The Freedom Riders , Reverend C T Vivian and John Lewis are forever linked. May Langston Hughes' "I Dream a World" become a reality..... Iconic Tribute, Iconic Sermon and reminder

[@stephaniebutler7300]

This is prolific, Thank you sir you're brilliance is unmatched!!!

[@Seuss1908]

A GIANT HONORS A GIANT. THANK YOU MR. LAWSON.

[@zackwhite501]

To paraphrase a German scientist, people in the future won’t believe men like these once walked the earth

[@salspataro9389]

The Rev James Clawson! He stole the Show! What an Electric experience...

[@stillstanding6031]

Remarkable man; remarkable history.

[@itsmrsb1]

Amazing man!

[@dawn-mariewalfall1804]

For many years I heard of the Name Rev. Lawson but I had no idea who he was. I must say I wish I had taken the time to research and know. Now I am so glad that I finally had the chance to hear this great orator who had touched and nourished my heart and soul. This is by far the most touching, the most chilling and inspiring speech I have ever heard. What a man. May the God Lord continue to bless, keep you, keep guide and protect. Such a champion of the human race

[@Kiara-le8pr]

He is truly a treasure wow !

[@lbsimmons7319]

YES!!!YES!!!YES!!!

[@kx4670]

James Lawson, you’re a treasure. It’s time that we too have workshops on how we should move forward. It’s time to strategize.

[@cynthiatirand3838]

Perfect! Beautiful!

[@gerrirose6678]

Wonderful tribute! Powerful! Thank-you!.

[@lovelight9261]

Deep respect for this man's love, his mind and this beautiful eulogy.

[@cindyhadden2053]

For many of us Rep John Lewis was a part of our youth, and our lives to date. Three living presidents (and many others we know)there to honor him, his daughter who reminded us that the forces of evil, hate, our enemies, does not outweigh "our soulforce." Gandhi's "satyagraha." James Lawson is there, a man several of us found ourselves sitting in the same patty wagons (and with Rodney Powell, Arun Gandhi) after civil disobedience and nonviolent arrests around the country. They, along with Rev Dr Mel White taught us, training us all over the country, the deep principals of nonviolence and to vow to them and live them - teach them, to use portions of the principals when truth tells us justice is needed. That we will take the consequences, beating, even not sought but death for that truth and justice to be known. We do not quit, we grow compassion, we keep moving forward EVEN if we do not see that justice come in our lifetime, we KNOW it will. I was first just 8 years old when you entered into the lunch counter protests the media brought the country. I grew from there into a hippy peace-nik and Jesus freak. But still longing for answers. After MLK's civil rights movement, and following faith (in many churches) I finally came upon Soulforce/LifeForce/Satyagraha and many of these teachers at Johns memorial today entered into my life. You all helped transfer me on to what I was looking for, indeed my heart bleeding for: To listen for, and hear Spirit Truth. To recognize injustice using our moral God given Compass and Intuition. It's kind of like the scripture by Paul [para] "when I was a child I thought and acted as a child, but when I became alive it all made reasonable faith sense, the power of love, making me whole. Thank you John (and your family), for your love and relentless, faithful guidance and persistence. GO GET IN "GOOD TROUBLE" PEOPLE ;) Cindy Hadden Soulforcee: Direct Actions 1998 - 2007 www.soulforce.org

[@mollymaguire1391]

Inspiring soulful words that resound in all our souls forever, like John Lewis.

[@RobertGayMusic]

This is amazing.

[@FrankDudgeon]

Thank you to Pulitzer Prize winning columnist Eugene Robinson for pointing out Rev. Lawson's remarks today. Because of that mention I looked this up and am much richer for it. I will be seeking further wisdom from this learned man. Thank you.

[@garyr11]

THIS saint john lewis is a bright beacon of hope freedom love and in his words good trouble from a non AMERICAN

[@PeterJ-cb3vk]

The Polish poet that Rev. Lawson is quoting is the 1980 Nobel Prize winner Czeslaw Milosz and his poem titled "Meaning". Out of curiosity I googled the poet's name and found the poem....one has to read and reread the poem several times to fully understand the deep meaning behind the words.

[@Imataco]

“Christian Love has Power”

[@wandahewlin7618]

Excellent speaker

[@justb0583]

Pres. Obama gave an amazing speech and he is one of th most eloquent men to ever speak but this speech is the most powerful speech of the entire homegoing. I for one will never for get it!

[@isaiahallen]

6:50 "I count [it] as providential." Yes, true.

[@NatalyaCherry]

He loves that word. Used it in the record David Halberstam published of the nonviolent way in Nashville, *The Children." Great read.

[@influx010]

With voter suppression efforts and talks of the inefficacy of the U.S. voting process, I think that it is important for citizens to be able to check and verify their votes. I would like to be able to do my part by checking that my vote was indeed counted correctly for the candidate for whom I voted. Currently, the party with whom I am registered shows on my California voter registration information online, but it does not show for whom I voted and how I voted on laws. I am fine with that for most elections but I would feel better if I am able to verify my vote for who to be president after my vote in the general election is processed so that I may do my part to contribute to the integrity of the voting process. I wrote to my senator to request this and I hope people will too.

[@dr.joanmalcolm97]

Great words by this amazing man, an unknown Civil Rights Icon, Rev James Lawson. Thank you for your addendum and correction of American History. God bless you!

[@dickdewater80]

James Lawson is a national treasure

[@lourdesromero2453]

Rev.Father James Lawson,im.Lourdes V.Romero,a freind of Gen.Bryan R.Kelly ,im from Philipines

[@whatyousay9816]

this GENTLEMAN is TRULY an ICON. He was there through it all. AMAZING!!!!

[@jayoliver3686]

Yo you just seen the #Black Yoda! drop game on America but the World. Step your bars up folks! Best bi-partisan speech I have ever heard being Black in America is hard and never been easy. But I won't give up because my people before me never did. No colors just wrong and right because that what GOD called us to do His bidding not our own. We the people will not stand by but will be active in our future!

[@calimel2177]

We need to lift him up. Today I got a better understanding of a great man in history., I hope when Washington changes over he will get the Nobel Peace Prize. I don’t know how he was overlooked for all these years. *Sometimes you must toot your own horn.* 91 years old with such a memory like it was yesterday. God bless you Brother. We thank our for taking great risks even while walking down the shadow of death God protected you. I hope you’ve had a great life., Had I know about you and all the other pieces of the Civil Rights struggles my role would have been with more effective, and effective in my role in the Book Slaves in the family by Edward Ball. I must learn it all and start from here telling your story in my writings. I will share with my family. Thank you Sir..

[@marshawhite2670]

I enjoyed him greatly. A living legend!!!

[@josephine6424]

Well spoken Rev .Lawson bravo 👏🏼

[@cheribrockopp168]

He was an amazing speaker

[@roderickwilson2819]

Reverend Lawson was brilliant

[@malicarter9622]

Thank You Congressman Lewis for being the moral compass of our country.

[@lodisdinwiddie1509]

What a debt we owe to all of these men and women. We will go on because of this man and all of those like him.

[@rhondagilliam2438]

1957 -1973 We most repays these bills, laws

[@nuzahdieudonne3264]

Rev Lawson, you mae the world great again. Thank you. Bye Bye Daddy Lewis

[@vjshoegal4027]

You will be missed, Mr. Lawson. I just heard about your passing and had to come here to witness your vitality at 92 yo. What a soldier you were in God's army ✝️💜💔

[@debbiewilliams1257]

I THANK GOD ALMIGHTY for Rev. James Lawson's testimony🤩 I am grateful to have heard his words of ENCOURAGEMENT. Even though he is 91 years old, it's obvious, that he doesn't have dementia or any such burden. He SPEAKS TRUTH POWER to the AMERICA we ❤ Congressman JOHN LEWIS'S VISION & COURAGEOUS efforts to make this world a better place for ALL is coming to fruition😍🙏💥👣😎

[@rhondagilliam2438]

All my love to you all who taught and walked with John Lewis. GOD bless his soul and the souls of our ancestors. He walked the walk and lived it everyday . My GOD 1959 RACISM HAD TO END. AND WE ARE TO CONTINUE.

[@geraldineblackmon7348]

"Make a way when there is no way!" #RIPJohnLewis #RestInPeaceJohnLewis "Say something!...Do something!" #GOVOTE #WeWillVote #GoodTrouble kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5PblaywqdeMgMk #protestsong #innercityblues facebook.com/reallaroyanthony

[@alanhudson2999]

Wow!!!.Rev. Lawson was deep, powerful, yet calm and nonviolent but his words and understanding the human being can cut to the inner soul..Thank you Dr. Lawson for your powerful words and the influence you had in Rep. John Lewis' life.

[@10151943]

WOW!!! The words that came out of his mouth were powerful. The words are full of light and life. I had never heard of Rev Lawson . I am so glad that God allowed him to be at the service to speak. Thank God for Rev Lawson and his contributions to the civil rights movements. Peace!!! Black Lives Matter!!!

[@evekatsav7421]

What a powerful, moving speech and tribute to John Lewis by Reverend Lawson, whose wisdom.strength, kindness and grace are evident in every word and gesture. His words on the Declaration of Independence moved me to tears. We were blessed to have John Lewis among us on this earth. I wish health and strength to Rev Lawson and that his words will touch our hearts and inspire us to move forward to realize the promise that all human beings are created equal.

[@eowen6087]

Racist man should NOT be honored. The devil has him now. NOW I bet he is trying to back up....... too late.

[@obie1njoku]

How come so many, like me, never heard of this man until he spoke at Lewis's funeral? I have listened to this speech over two dozen tmes... This isn't just another speech!

[@darrylevans4401]

Rev.James Lawson one of the greatest civil rights leaders right here. I have been following him for years.

[@erichawkins5738]

Wow oh wow!! This dignified, intelligent man is living history!! And a hero in every sense of the word.

[@minewheaties5029]

RIP James Lawson and John Lewis.