As you may know I have been working on two books for young people about my childhood pastor, Reverend James M. Lawson Jr., and his lifetime of teaching about nonviolence. I wanted to update you on the progress of those books and share some upcoming events in LA, NYC, DC, and Tennessee that will also celebrate his life and work. Please consider pre-ordering his official memoir NONVIOLENT from one of these independent booksellers or your local one. If you do not see it at your local bookstore or library, please request it! These things matter so much.
If you are in LA, his official documentary A BETTER WAY will be premiering at the Pan African Film Festival. It’s incredible. Tickets and more information here:
If you are in NYC, Reverend Lawson’s collaborator Emily Yellin and his son Judge John Lawson will be in conversation at the New York Public Library on February 17th. Livestream Tickets are also available.
If you are in DC, please join me on February 24th at the MLK Library for the launch book event of his posthumous memoir NONVIOLENT. Both his collaborator Emily Yellin and his son, Judge John Lawson will be in conversation. More information about the event here.
The book tour is also making stops in Nashville and Memphis.
If you made it this far, thank you! The two books I am writing for our children will be coming out later this year and next. The picture book SOULFORCE is being illustrated by Dwayne “Dubelyoo” Wright and it’s going to be gorgeous. Look for it Spring 2027. PLAYBOOK FOR JUSTICE will release in November 2026. Cover reveal soon!
Teacher Lesley 