May 15th 2024.
It is with deep sadness and immense gratitude that we announce the passing of Reverend William "Bill" Lawson on May 14, 2024. At 95 years old, he has left a lasting mark on the Houston community as the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
Lawson was a trailblazer in his own right, chartering the Houston chapter of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference. In a time when King's image was tarnished and the country was in turmoil, Lawson fearlessly invited him to speak at his church. This act of courage and defiance played a crucial role in changing the negative perception of King in Houston and ultimately helped in the city's desegregation.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Lawson was a pivotal figure in keeping the city of Houston calm during the turbulent years of the Civil Rights Movement. His leadership and influence were instrumental in preventing the city from succumbing to violence and destruction. The late Joseph Fiorenza, a close friend of Lawson, stated in 2022 that he did more than anyone to maintain peace and stability during that era.
In an interview with the Houston Oral Project in 2008, Lawson humbly admitted that he preferred a more peaceful approach to desegregation, rather than picketing and protesting. He believed in quietly integrating public facilities and worked closely with the city's business community to achieve this goal. His wife, Audrey, also played a significant role in inspiring him to get involved in the Civil Rights Movement. She reminded him that their church could not just be about preaching and singing, but also about promoting social change.
Lawson's dedication to the cause was further evident when he did not stop his students at Texas Southern University from participating in the historic sit-ins at a local lunch counter. He even bailed them out of jail and supported their actions, which led to his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
Charlotte Bryant, one of the original members of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, described Lawson as a "quiet storm." He was a man of few words, but his actions and leadership spoke volumes.
The news of Lawson's passing was met with an outpouring of love and appreciation from the community. The Houston Urban League honored him with an award, and Melanie Lawson, Reverend Lawson's daughter and a longtime anchor at ABC13, gracefully accepted it on his behalf. She, along with her sisters Cheryl and Roxanne, two granddaughters, and two great-grandsons, survive him.
The city of Houston also paid tribute to Lawson, with Mayor John Whitmire stating that he was one of the reasons why the city is so great. He acknowledged Lawson's contributions to the civil rights and social justice movements, and the city has undoubtedly benefitted from his leadership and character.
A celebration of Lawson's life and legacy has been planned for May 23 and 24. The funeral will be held at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, followed by a Community Service of Celebration and a Congregational Service of Celebration. It is a time for both mourning and rejoicing, as we bid farewell to a remarkable man who has left an indelible mark on our community.
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