Kamlager-Dove Calls on President Biden to Posthumously Award Reverend James Lawson the Presidential Medal of Freedom

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) led 22 Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Joe Biden calling on him to posthumously award Reverend James Lawson, a key strategist and organizer of the civil rights movement, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Following this work, Reverend Lawson moved to Los Angeles and became a prominent faith leader in the community, pastoring at the Holman Methodist Church for 25 years.

“From his instrumental involvement in the Nashville, TN sit-in movement to his leadership in the Memphis, TN sanitation workers' strike, Reverend Lawson's courage and moral clarity have inspired generations of activists and advocates. His teachings on nonviolent resistance not only shaped the course of the civil rights movement but also influenced movements for social change around the world,” the Members wrote.

They continued, “Reverend Lawson's contributions to the advancement of civil rights and human dignity are immeasurable, and it is only fitting that his remarkable legacy be honored with the highest civilian honor bestowed by our nation, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. By recognizing Reverend Lawson's extraordinary achievements, we not only pay tribute to his lifelong commitment to justice but also reaffirm our nation's values of equality, freedom, and dignity for all.”

“Reverend Lawson’s tireless advocacy for civil rights and social justice are clear reasons why he deserves the honor of posthumously receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Such a gesture would honor Reverend Lawson's remarkable life in the wake of his death on June 9th, 2024, at the age of 95 and serve as an ongoing commitment to his life’s pursuit of justice and equality,” the Members concluded.

The letter was signed by Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Troy Carter (LA-02), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).

See the full letter with signatures here.

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