Jan. 15 marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States, a day when our nation collectively reflects on the profound impact of a man who stood as a beacon for change. MLK Day serves as a reminder that one individual can ignite transformation, paving the way for a more just and equal society. Following that recent commemoration, I thought it important to talk about the essence of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, particularly his unwavering commitment to nonviolent civil disobedience — a philosophy that still resonates and beckons us toward a more compassionate and just future.
King, a visionary leader, not only advocated for civil rights but embodied the principles of nonviolent civil disobedience. His commitment to this philosophy extended beyond rhetoric — it became the cornerstone of his activism. Nonviolent civil disobedience centers on individuals refusing to obey laws for moral or philosophical reasons. For King, this approach wasn’t merely a tactic but a way of life. He preached that change could be achieved by challenging oppressive systems without resorting to aggression.
In this journey toward justice, MLK found a kindred spirit in the Rev. James Lawson. Their profound friendship was cemented by a shared commitment to nonviolent activism. In a 2023 interview conducted by Lee Camp on his No Small Endeavor podcast, Lawson speaks of being influenced by his faith and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. In doing so, he believed — and still believes — that violence had no place in their pursuit of justice. His dedication to nonviolent communication and civil disobedience mirrored MLK’s principles. Together, they envisioned a nation where transformation could occur without bloodshed or hatred.Â
Lawson says in the interview: “I do not know how many times King and I conferred by phone. I do not know how many times King and I took walks, at Penn Center or in Georgia at our staff retreats, our board retreats, when he and I would take walks for the purpose of talking. … [He would share] with me where he thought things were, and [wanted] me to bounce against it so that he could feel that he was moving in the right direction.”
The connection between MLK and Lawson ran deep, rooted in the belief that nonviolent means could bring about substantive change. Their partnership and the strength of their shared vision was in the acknowledgment that true change could arise only from a commitment to nonviolence. Lawson was with his friend MLK only hours before the iconic leader was assassinated. It was a great loss — not only for Lawson, of course, but for all of us who believe in the dream shared so powerfully by MLK.Â
As we reflect on the teachings of these great leaders, it is disheartening to see the current state of our nation. The Rev. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., recently warned that we are at a critical juncture, “witnessing unprecedented loss of human life” and escalating racial injustices. Despite her continued dream of a more compassionate world, the reality is that we seem to be straying from the path envisioned by her father and the Rev. Lawson. She added in a Jan. 4 speech that the study and practice of her father’s philosophy of nonviolence could teach people how to live together peacefully — and reminded us that we all have a choice in “whether we will continue to diminish and devastate humanity and the earth or if we will become co-conspirators to shift the cultural climate throughout our nation and world.”
The Rev. Lawson’s perspective also sheds light on the depth of the challenges we face. As he explains on No Small Endeavor, despair still grips him as he reflects on the assassinations of five remarkable individuals in the 1960s — President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert Kennedy, Malcolm X, Medgar Evers and King. Lawson’s despair emanates from the recognition that these assassinations disrupted a transformative movement, halting the collaboration between King and Malcolm X, preventing a more profound impact on the nation. Lawson adds, “It did some transformation anyway, but didn’t do all that it could have done and would’ve done.”
As we assess how far we have come, there is also a perceivable sense that the journey is far from over. The Rev. James Lawson, echoing MLK’s sentiments, reminds us that while progress has been made, forces opposing transformation still persist. The visionaries of the past laid the foundation for change through nonviolent means, advocating for a society where justice prevails without the need for violence or aggression.
Let us reflect on the words of King Jr., who once said: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” The enduring message is clear: The path to real peace and security lies in adopting the principles of nonviolent civil disobedience. It is a call to action, urging us to learn from the wisdom of those who envisioned a world where justice triumphs through the power of love and nonviolence.Â
Bill Freeman
Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post, and The News.
