Lawson Speaks at King Celebration

Famed Civil Rights activist and former Holman United Methodist Senior Pastor James L. Lawson will deliver the keynote address at Culver City’s 8th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration, ‘Realizing the Dream, Living the Legacy.’

The program is set for Saturday, January 19 at 12 noon, at the Culver City Senior Center, 4095 Overland Avenue in Culver City.  The daylong festivities, including refreshments, are free and open to the public.

The Rev. Lawson spent three years as a Methodist missionary in India where he was deeply influenced by the philosophy and techniques of non violent resistance.  He introduced these principles to future leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. 

In 1968, at Lawson's request, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke to the striking sanitation workers one day before his assassination.  The Rev. Lawson moved to Los Angeles in 1974 to lead Holman United Methodist Church where he served as pastor for 25 years before retiring in 1999.

The King Day celebration will also include a panel discussion moderated by political analyst Earl Ofari Hutchison, a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary, ‘MLK: The Assassination Tapes;’ and Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech delivered by actor Gerald Rivers.

West Los Angeles College Jazz Ensemble, the Agape Children’s Choir and recording artist Chikk will provide entertainment.  Actor Roger Guenveur Smith and BET personality April Sutton will host the event.

For a roster of activities, visit culvercity.org or call (310) 253-6675.

• < Prev in Religion
• Next in Religion >