Upcoming Events
-
September 22, 2026
9:15 AM Vanderbilt Divinity School Room G29
Rev. Lawson Birthday Observance at VDS
On September 22nd at 9:15 AM, we will host a birthday prayer observance for Rev. Lawson in room G-29, "The Space" at Vanderbilt Divinity School. All community members are welcome to attend.
-
September 22, 2026
6:00 PM Virtual
A BETTER WAY: JAMES LAWSON AND THE FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW
Honoring the life and legacy of Reverend James Lawson, we will draw on lessons from his work to dialogue about how we can meet current challenges through strategic nonviolent action. We will hold an intergenerational conversation bringing veteran movement leaders together with emerging organizers, connecting the wisdom of those who trained under Lawson with the energy of those carrying his methods forward today.
Presented by the Strategic Nonviolence Academy, the National Council of Elders, the James Lawson Institute at Vanderbilt University, the John Lewis Center for Social Justice at Fisk University, the UCLA Labor Center, and Pace e Bene, in partnership with George Mason University's Peace Week.
-
October 1, 2026
6:30 PM Belcourt Theatre
Nashville Documentary Premiere: A Better Way
Our signature event this fall will take place on Thursday, October 1st, as we host the Nashville premiere of the documentary film A Better Way: James Lawson, Architect of Nonviolence at the Belcourt Theater.
A BETTER WAY chronicles Rev. James Lawson's evolution as a minister, teacher, and strategist whose guidance shaped pivotal campaigns including the Nashville Nonviolent Movement and the Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth and Mahatma Gandhi, Lawson developed a rigorous philosophy of nonviolent resistance—one he passed directly to leaders like John Lewis, Diane Nash, and Bernard Lafayette. Through intimate verité footage, archival material, and interviews spanning generations of movement leaders, the film shows how Lawson's philosophy continues to shape movements for justice today.
This is Nashville's premiere screening of this film — and the chance to see it in the city where much of this history unfolded.
Seats are limited. Registration does not guarantee seating. Admission is first come first served until the venue has reached capacity.