Honor and Remembering the Legendary Civil Rights Advocate and Community Pillar, Rev. William Lawson
Rev. William Lawson, a venerable civil rights advocate and the esteemed founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, passed away at the age of 95, as announced on the church’s Website. This revered figure was affectionately known as “Houston’s Pastor,” a trusted and influential voice in the community who skillfully guided Houston through periods of crisis and transformation.
A pioneering force in Houston’s history, Lawson founded the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in 1962 where he served as its pastor for over four decades. He was an ardent advocate of civil rights and later became an integral part of the movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whom he regarded as a cherished friend. Additionally, Lawson established a local chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), a pivotal civil rights organization instrumental during the civil rights era.
Known for his unwavering dedication to building bridges between the powerful and powerless, Lawson championed social justice and community service. His commitment to equality and fairness touched Houstonians deeply and left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape.
In recognition of his significant contributions, Houston Mayor John Whitmire held a moment of silence at City Hall to honor Lawson on Tuesday, encouraging the city’s residents to strive for a fair, safe, and equal Houston in his memory. In Whitmire’s words, “He is one of the reasons our city is so great. He helped us during civil rights and social justice like probably no other individual in the country because Houston benefited from his leadership and character.”
Numerous leaders and officials expressed their condolences and admiration for Lawson’s remarkable legacy. Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee shared her deep sadness on social media, while Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis called him a “towering figure in our community.” The city recently named a park in honor of Lawson and his late wife, with Ellis’ statement acknowledging that this park will serve as an enduring tribute to their shared commitment to uplifting every member of the community.
In 2021, Rice University acknowledged and celebrated Lawson’s legacy by naming a part of its campus “The Reverend William A. Lawson Grove.” During the unveiling ceremony, Lawson expressed his hope that different cultures would come to know, respect, and love each other. His daughter Melanie Lawson, an anchor with ABC13 in Houston, was present during the ceremony.
As a beacon in the civil rights movement, Rev. Lawson’s legacy will live on, resonating through generations. His lying in state at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday is a testament to the profound impact he has had not just on Houston but on the entire civil rights movement.
