This collection contains the papers of renowned professor, activist, and Civil Rights movement organizer Rev. James Lawson, Jr. The Papers are comprised of close to 80 linear feet of manuscript materials including documents, correspondence, and photographs. Realia/memorabilia in this collection include awards, academic gowns, and other keepsakes.

The dates for these materials range from the late 1920’s when Reverend Lawson was born (September 1928) until the present time and the establishment of the James Lawson Institute for the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements at Vanderbilt University in early 2022.

Items relating to events in his life such as the Nashville Sit-Ins of 1960; the Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968; and his long ministry in the United Methodist Church are importantly represented in this collection.

The papers are arranged in these series: Correspondence Biographical and Personal Interviews and Writings by JML Writings about JML Early Life and Education -Baldwin-Wallace College -Korean War/Federal Prison -India -Oberlin School of Theology -Vanderbilt and the Nashville Sit-Ins -Boston University School of Theology Professional Career -Centenary United Methodist Church, Memphis, Tennessee -Holman United Methodist Church, Los Angeles, California -Church Committees -Lawson Live! -Return to Vanderbilt -Engagements (1951 – 2011) -Sermons Activities and Organizations Writings by Others Collection of Publications Subject Files Photographs Oversize Materials -Photograph Albums, Scrapbooks, Posters, Awards -Awards and Plaques