Lawrence Guyot

Mr Guyot worked with my father, Vernon F. Dahmer ,Sr. in the "Hattiesburg Movement" during the early sixties in Mississippi. I was 10-12 years old during that time and had very little personal involvement in the movement, but I was in a position to observe some of what went on. Mr Guyot was typical of the student and young adult workers & organizers that I remember, who were active in the movement. I was impressed with their level of commitment to the cause, the fact that they believed their actions & sacrifices would bring about a racial change, to say in public what everybody else wanted to say, and the courage to ACT....YES TO ACT by organizing...protesting...picketing... getting arrested on trumped up charges & then going to jail for weeks and months. Mr Guyot & others did this in an environment where physical harm, or death, was a reality....Mr Guyot & I both know first-hand what this reality was all about! I was equally impressed with their ability to work with & organize "grass roots" community people. Mr. Guyot and his cohorts had the intellect, education & necessary skills to have choosen a more traditional sixties Black college graduate career path and be successful as one could be in a segregated, Jim Crow South. Mr. Guyot, could have moved North to better economic opportunities,like a lot of his college classmates did, but instead....... he choose a different path! A path of activism that would bring about change in the racial climate of not only Mississippi, but America. A path that created economic opportunities for Blacks in Mississippi, but at the same time "the activist" were personally left out of this economic progress because of the contempt felt towards them by those still in charge. They were mad because Mr. Guyot & cohorts has forced Mississippi to become a better, fairer and more equal place for everybody! I for one am glad that Mr. Guyot choose the path that he did!! I had the pleasure to get to know & talk Mr. Guyot in later years and was always intrigued & enlighten by his comments on the events that took place during the hard fought days of the Mississippi Civil Rights struggle. Rest well Mr. Guyot......you have earned it, along with my eternal respect and gratitude!

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS SO MAY THESE WORDS BRING YOU PEACE."LIKE A MAN WHOM HIS OWN MOTHER KEEPS COMFORTING,SO I MYSELF KEEP COMFORTING YOU PEOPLE."isaiah66:13.....dmg

Another Warrior who fought so hard for human and civil rights has left us for well deserved rest with Jesus in Heaven.We were often energized by his conviction and dedication to eradicate racism in this state. It was a pleasure to work with you (Guyot) on a number of projects in Mississippi. Our condolence to the Guyot family.
Jean and Frank Hudson
Edwards, Mississippi

My grandmother, Daisy M. Boyd, 98 years old, a beloved true friend welcomes her great cherished saint into the heavenly gates; they are rejoicing in their reunion. Nona is enjoying her conversations with Mr. Guyot and certainly he is doing likewise.

Nona made Mr. Guyot a household name, he was her guy and she let you know it, gone but never forgotten!!!

------- MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY -------

What an inspiring leader of our times. A true leader died as he lived, standing for justice and principles for civil rights for his people. A blessing to the legacy of Mississippi and our nation. We need more corageous mentors of his ilk. Dr. Davetta Daniels, Houston, Texas

I was very fortunate to spend time with and befriend Lawrence Guyot. He was a fiery advocate and a willing mentor and we've lost one of America's heroes!

you taught me about courage, fighting for what u believe, and that everything is politics, i will forever miss u. May u rest in peace and may Monica, Julie and Lawrence allow god to hold them through this most difficult time.

He was a good and faithful servant. The world is a better place because of his presence here on earth. He will be remembered for his historical contributions for generations to come.

My prayers goes out to the family, and may the sprit of this solider carries on the battle fields threw life for us all. PEACE & LOVE

To the Guyot family. My sympathies are extended to you as you celebrate the life of Lawrence. I was surprised to discover the news of his death as I was reading an obituary in the Marin Jounal of Marin County California. In January 1964, I was one of 8 clergy who were arrested in Hattiesburg, MS during the begining of the Voter Registation Drive. The day before we were released on jail, I was in the same cell with with Lawrence and a host of others. I remember the feeling of guilt as our churches had bailed us out and we left Lawrence and the other fathful in jail. He was a source of encouagement and hope. Donald B. Register.