HOUSTON – Houston Mayor John Whitmire called for a moment of silence Tuesday to honor civil rights icon, Rev. William A. Lawson.
Whitmire’s message to city leaders and citizens:
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“Rev. William Lawson is an icon among icons. 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,” said Mayor Whitmire. “It saddens us, but though God doesn’t allow us to choose when we lose a loved one, he does allow us to celebrate their lives. I’m certain all of Houston will celebrate this great man’s life in the coming days. Our condolences go to the Lawson and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church families.”
Rev. Lawson was “Houston’s pastor” and a guiding light in our city, a visionary leader whose impact reverberated beyond the walls of his church.
Alongside the late Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza and Rabbi Samuel Karff, he stood as one of the “Three Amigos,” leading the charge against social injustice and systemic racism, shaping Houston into a more inclusive and equitable community.
Rev. Lawson’s legacy is not just a part of our city’s history but a living testament to his commitment to social justice. His initiatives, including the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity, continue to uplift the underprivileged and instill hope for a brighter future. We will remember Rev. Lawson’s dedication to serving marginalized lives as one of his most significant contributions to creating a more equitable society.
Amidst his tireless advocacy, Rev. Lawson remained rooted in love and faith alongside his beloved late wife, Audrey, and four children. He embodied the values of compassion and integrity for over six decades.
Saying farewell to this titan of faith, we will remember his legacy and strive to embody it. His light will forever guide us. We should all strive for a fair, safe, and equal Houston in his honor and memory.
Rest in peace, Rev. William A. Lawson. Your legacy will forever inspire and guide us.
Lawson was known for his role in the civil rights movement, along with being the founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston’s Third Ward.
Reverend Lawson came to Houston as a 27-year-old in the mid-50s to serve as the director of the Baptist Student Union at Texas Southern University.
From that assignment grew the man who would become a legendary preacher and civil rights leader who said he was in the right place at the right time.
Lawson was among those organizing Houston’s civil rights movement during the 60s when desegregation was a key goal, and again in the 70s when an initiative was on the ballot to end affirmative action in the city.
Rev. Lawson was married to his late wife Audrey for nearly 62 years.
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