US civil rights hero James Lawson dies aged 95

James Lawson speaks in Murfreesboro in 2015 (Mark Humphrey/AP)

James Lawson, an apostle of non-violent protest who schooled activists to withstand brutal reactions from white authorities as the Civil Rights Movement gained traction, has died at the age of 95.

Mr Lawson’s family said he died on Sunday after a short illness in Los Angeles, where he spent decades working as a pastor, labour movement organiser and university professor.