"Engrossing...a soul-stirring testament to the transformative power of leading with love"
Publishers Weekly
Starred Review
"As we fight for yet another moral shift in this country, this memoir is essential, and could not be more timely."
Joy-Ann Reid
New York Times bestselling author of Medgar and Myrlie
"This book is a gift to be treasured, from a man who has already given so much...glorious, searing, hopeful ... An essential read, now and forever"
Jonathan Eig
Pulitzer Prize-winner author of King: A Life
"We should all be students of James Lawson, and this extraordinary book is a great place to start."
Bryan Stevenson
New York Times bestselling author of Just Mercy
"A towering book by a giant of a man."
Jon Meacham
Pulitzer Prize–winning author of His Truth Is Marching On
"An expansive, inspiring autobiography by a crucial figure in the Civil Rights Movement."
Kirkus
Starred Review
Available February 17, 2026
The posthumous memoir of Rev. James Lawson Jr.
Peer of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Mentor to congressman John Lewis and the Freedom Riders
Principal architect of a nonviolent resistance movement that changed the world
For 95 years, he guided movements.
We need his guidance again.
Now, for the first time, his story in his own words.
Events
Tue, Feb 17New York Public LibraryJoin Pulitzer Prize winner Trymaine Lee in conversation with Rev. Lawson's co-author Emily Yellin, and his son, John Lawson for a conversation about violence and nonviolence for this book launch event at the New York Public Library.
Wed, Feb 18Woolworth TheatreA book launch celebration in the spot where Rev. Lawson led the 1960 Nashville sit-ins, which is now the Woolworth Theatre, featuring music and a conversation with Rev Lawson's s co-author, journalist Emily Yellin, and his son, John Lawson, a superior court judge in Los Angeles.
Fri, Feb 20National Civil Rights MuseumJoin families of the Civil Rights Movement, from sanitation workers to second generation activists, in a celebration of Rev. Lawson's work in Memphis. Former WNBC-TV anchor Carol Jenkins talks with Emily Yellin and John Lawson. Musicians from the movement and current-day students will perform.
Sun, Feb 22Centenary United Methodist ChurchA gathering at the church where Rev. Lawson was pastor during his twelve years in Memphis. Pastor Keith Caldwell will lead a discussion with John Lawson and Emily Yellin and the Centenary Choir will sing. A reception and book signing will follow.
Tue, Feb 24Women's National Democratic ClubLearn about Rev. Lawson's life with co-author Emily Yellin and his son John Lawson.
Tue, Feb 24Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial LibraryJoin Bishop Mariann Budde, Emily Yellin and John Lawson for a discussion of the book and what Rev. Lawson's life can teach us about how to navigate tumultuous times.
Sun, Mar 01Holman United Methodist ChurchAt the church where Rev. Lawson was a pastor for 50 years, Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin will host a discussion of the book, and Rev. Lawson's and the work of the church in economic justice in LA and beyond. Panelists will include Rev. Jennifer Gutierez, Amber Wilburn, John Lawson and Emily Yellin.
Tue, Mar 03UCLA James Lawson Jr. Worker Justice CtrIn the building named after him, we will celebrate his memoir and where for 25 Rev. Lawson taught nonviolence and social change with his great friend and colleague, the late Kent Wong. Bonnie Boswell moderates a discussion with Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Yvonne Wheeler, John Lawson and Emily Yellin.
was a Methodist pastor and a key teacher and strategist in the Civil Rights Movement as well as in ongoing campaigns for labor, gender, and immigrant rights. He introduced the tactical, philosophical, and spiritual facets of nonviolence to generations of activists, inspiring countless people worldwide to join in creating a beloved community. Reverend Lawson passed away in June 2024.
is a journalist, writer, and producer. A longtime contributor to The New York Times and author of two other books, she produced a ten-part video series, 1,300 Men: Memphis Strike ’68, for The Root. She first met Reverend Lawson when she was five, while attending elementary school in Memphis with his eldest son, John.
