Activist worked to alter sculpture

By LENNIE BENNETT

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 13, 2000

Dwight L. Lawton, 69, probably the person most responsible for getting a group of well-connected people to alter the design of the statue commemorating the famous Sunshine Offer, has a history of activism and non-violent protest.

In 1997, he was arrested for criminal trespassing at Fort Benning, Ga., during a protest of the U.S. Army's School of the Americas, which trains Latin American soldiers. He and 25 other protesters served six months in prison. Lawton also participates in rallies for farm workers. He is the Pinellas County coordinator for Ralph Nader's presidential campaign.

"Injustice gets me going," said the retired truck salesman, who moved to the city 10 years ago.

Of the controversy surrounding Lew B. Brown, whom Lawton believes was a racist, he said: "It's important to look at these situations and not have continual shame, but to say this is not right. I realize it was a private project, and I couldn't make a public issue out of it. I had accomplished my purpose, bringing it to the attention of people. I'm glad it got aired out."

Lawton said he and Perkins Shelton, who also protested the sculpture, often worship together at Lakeview Presbyterian Church. He said they have never discussed the sculpture or the controversy.

"Believe it or not," Lawton said.

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