James Lawson Archives
Alumnus expands his chronicle of Freedom Riders with new portraits
Feb. 6, 2019—Lessons from the 1961 Freedom Rides and their relevance to today’s racial justice protests were discussed by alumnus and author Eric Etheridge and rider Rip Patten during a recent campus visit.
What’s On My Mind: Elevating Trailblazers and reflecting our community through art
Oct. 15, 2018—We must ensure that the artwork displayed at Vanderbilt celebrates role models that inspire all members of our rich mosaic, writes Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos in this week's column.
New portraits honor Vanderbilt Trailblazers
Oct. 15, 2018—Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos unveiled four portraits on Saturday that are part of a new “Vanderbilt Trailblazers” series to honor members of the Vanderbilt community who broke barriers at the university and in society at large.
New scholarship honors legacy of civil rights leader James Lawson
Jun. 25, 2018—The new Rev. James M. Lawson Jr. Scholarship provides need-based financial support for underrepresented minority students who demonstrate a commitment to civil rights and social justice.
Social justice in politically turbulent era focus of Bogitsh Lecture
Feb. 28, 2017—Stacey Floyd-Thomas will discuss "It's a Surreal World After All" when she delivers the Mafoi Carlisle Bogitsh Memorial Lecture March 2 at Vanderbilt Divinity School.
Vanderbilt athletics honors civil rights leaders during Equality Weekend
Feb. 27, 2017—Vanderbilt recently celebrated Equality Weekend, a two-day event that honored 21 of Nashville’s civil rights leaders and marked the 50th anniversary of Vanderbilt breaking the SEC’s color barrier with men’s basketball players Perry Wallace and Godfrey Dillard. The 21 leaders were honored at the Commodores’ men’s basketball game on Feb. 18 and the women’s game on Feb. 19—both Vanderbilt victories.
Zeppos kicks off Chancellor Charters with interfaith tour
Nov. 7, 2016—Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos led his inaugural Chancellor Charter Nov. 5, guiding approximately 30 students, faculty and staff on an interfaith tour of Nashville and sharing some of the city’s history.
Civil rights leader James Lawson closes 2016 MLK Commemoration
Jan. 20, 2016—Noted civil rights leader James Lawson, the keynote speaker for Vanderbilt's 2016 MLK Commemoration, told a capacity audience that the American people must choose if the country is to move into a true democracy with equality, freedom and justice for all.
Vanderbilt celebrates MLK Day
Jan. 19, 2016—The Vanderbilt community celebrated the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events Jan. 15-18, including lectures, service activities and participation in the Nashville Freedom March. See coverage on the Get Social website.
Civil rights leader, candlelight vigil part of MLK Celebration at Vanderbilt Jan. 15-18
Jan. 11, 2016—The Rev. James Lawson, whom Martin Luther King Jr. called “the leading nonviolence theorist in the world,” will deliver the keynote address at Vanderbilt University’s MLK Day celebration Monday, Jan. 18. The theme for the commemoration is “Apathy to Action: Activism, Allyship and Anti-Racism.”
Smith Hall honors legacy of influential Nashville preacher
Aug. 8, 2014—A new Vanderbilt residence hall pays tribute to the legacy of civil rights pioneer and former Vanderbilt Divinity School assistant dean Kelly Miller Smith.
Listen: Farley’s memoir highlights pivotal era at Vanderbilt Divinity School
Jul. 11, 2014—Retired Vanderbilt Divinity Professor Ed Farley's memoir speaks to the next generation of theologians.