PHOTOS: Community Celebrates Life of Civil Rights Activist Rev. William Lawson
HOUSTON — Several Houston community members paid their respects to Reverend William A. Lawson, the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, who passed away on May 14 at the age of 95.
Rev. Lawson’s body lied in state from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 23. A Community Service of Celebration was held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, drawing several Houstonians to Wheeler Avenue. The final service, which was the Congregational Service of Celebration, was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 24.
Rev. Lawson, a prominent civil rights leader, was known for his significant contributions to the civil rights movement. He played a crucial role in desegregating Houston and was closely associated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. until King’s assassination.
Lawson moved to Houston to become the director of the Baptist Student Union at Texas Southern University. He founded Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in 1962, which grew from 13 members to over 15,000 under his leadership. Throughout his career, he was deeply involved in advocating for social justice, setting up a local chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and supporting various civil rights initiatives.
In addition to his work with the church, Lawson was instrumental in various community projects, including establishing affordable housing and single-gender charter schools. His efforts were recognized by numerous accolades, including having part of Rice University’s campus named “The William A. Lawson Grove” in his honor.
Lawson’s legacy is marked by his ability to bring together communities and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. He is remembered as a beacon of peace and a transformative figure in both Houston and the civil rights movement.
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