Un-Erased: The Attempted Annihilation of the James Wesley Lawrence Legacy

Un-ERASED is a literary movement about the erasure of one's legacy as told by Judy Lawrence Lamb regarding her dad-James Wesley Lawrence. The contents exceed a personal story; it was written to enlighten and inform people about the importance of knowing proper protocol when faced with the death of a loved one. Judy's father was an activist in Suffolk, Virginia, who made several great accomplishments in his city of birth. He was the city's first housing project manager and first rehabilitation inspector. Mr. Lawrence was an advocate for those without a voice. He was instrumental in bringing Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King to the city and was a founder and motivator in voter registration efforts. While working in the sheriff's department, he went beyond his duties to help two young boys in separate situations who needed extraordinary benevolence. There are many other contributions, yet the city's history remains incomplete through the withholding of pertinent information. Several occurrences caused eyebrows to be raised and questions to be asked.

He died while fighting for a shelter in Suffolk, and 39 years later, it is finally coming to fruition. The family awaits the city council's decision on naming it in his honor. It is now tentatively named after the city. At the time of his death, a reporter suggested naming such an establishment for him if his vision came to life. There were times Mr. Lawrence opened his own home to the unhoused.

He inspired tenants of the developments he managed to treat their rentals as if they were their own homes by planting flowers and creating beauty. Whenever he faced need, it became his mission to extend a helping hand. He wasn't an enabler; he was an encourager. Seldom did he shop only for his household. Assisted by his daughter, he gave quietly, insisting his benevolence remain between himself, the recipient, and God. Seeing needs resolved was his reward.

James Wesley Lawrence-humanitarian-was raised by a single mother who relied on him to keep the family afloat. At age seven, he bagged groceries at a local supermarket. Teased for his homemade clothes and sisters' shoes, he still showed up eager to learn. In high school, he captained the football team at Booker T. Washington and graduated salutatorian. He was a born leader.

He became a sergeant in the United States Air Force. When a white soldier told him he would not take orders from a "n-," James stood firm. Rather than risk dishonorable discharge, he was asked to leave quietly and was honorably discharged. He never backed down from what he believed. He didn't demand respect-it was commanded of him.

Targeted by the Ku Klux Klan, he was told he was too intelligent and had too much money to be a Black man. The Oakdale community rallied, willing to fight alongside him, some still in homemade clothes and carrying weapons. Because of threats, his wife and daughter had to return to New York. This marked the beginning of the end of his marriage, though he and Lucretia never divorced, honoring their vow. Their one constant was giving their daughter the best life possible.

Many he helped are no longer here, but the generations who know of him remain. He left a fingerprint impossible to erase. He left this world before his dream was completed, but the mantle has been carried on by those who follow.