Rev. Phil Lawson is a United Methodist Minister and veteran of the 1960’s civil rights movement. Over 40 years ago, it was the Rev. Phil Lawson’s brother, Rev. Jim Lawson, who trained the Freedom Riders in nonviolence prior to their journey to justice for civil rights. Rev. Lawson is courageously outspoken in his support of LGBT equality and has participated in several Soulforce actions over the years. He is currently the Interfaith Program Director for East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO) where he leads the Interfaith Action in Housing Program. He remains active with Richmond Vision 2000, Northern California Inter-Religious Conference, Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP), Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights and California Council of Churches. (Photo courtesy of East Bay Housing Organizations, EBHO.)