LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, has unveiled a bronze sculpture of the late Rev. James Lawson Jr., an iconic figure of the Civil Rights Movement, in the campus library. The ceremony featured remarks from artist Vinnie Bagwell; Robert Eberly III, president of the Eberly Foundation; SeriaShia Chatters, associate vice provost for educational equity at Penn State; and W. Charles Patrick, chancellor and chief academic officer.
Lawson was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He organized and trained activists in nonviolent resistance, played a crucial role in the Nashville sit-ins, and was involved in campaigns like the Freedom Rides and the Memphis sanitation strike. He earned the Community of Christ International Peace Award in 2004, and the UCLA Labor Center’s historic MacArthur Park building was named in his honor in 2021.
“From the campus perspective, this is an important first phase of what will be an ongoing cultural nonviolence initiative, which will include but not be limited to curriculum development, community programming, and scholarships targeting underrepresented groups. We will be partnering with communities in the region and beyond to advance this initiative,” said Patrick, who retired from Penn State on June 28.
The Eberly Foundation collaborated with Penn State to commission the sculpture to honor Lawson’s lifelong dedication to activism and social justice.
“The work Lawson did throughout the Civil Rights Movement with his contemporaries was transformational for our country. I’m happy the Eberly Foundation was able to play a small role in this project. It’s a long overdue recognition of his life’s work,” said Eberly III.
Chatters emphasized its significance, saying, “This is more than a tribute to a distinguished man. It’s a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the course of history. Let this statue stand as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of nonviolent resistance.”
Bagwell, known for her public artwork on notable figures from African American history, employed traditional bas-relief artistry to emboss the likenesses of other civil rights advocates across the sculpture.
“It’s important to have this sculpture placed at an institution of higher learning,” Bagwell said. “I’m delighted that it’s here.”
Lawson was invited to the ceremony, but died on June 9, 2024, at age 95. Instead, his reaction was prerecorded and shown at the unveiling, allowing those in attendance to appreciate his message on the importance of unity.
“I’m astonished at this day and give thanks for it,” Lawson said. “We have the power to transform our nation; we must reintroduce our country to the awesome philosophies and tactics of nonviolent protest and love even our enemies. It’s my hope that this statue will embody life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and justice for every person born.”