Rev. William A. Lawson Founding Pastor Emeritus, a close ally of Martin Luther King, Jr., now in his early nineties, remains very active in the community.
The 91视频 College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) is proud to announce that Director of African American Studies James L. Conyers, Jr., Ph.D., has established the William Alexander Lawson Social Justice Scholarship Endowment. This scholarship honors the remarkable legacy of civil rights advocacy and social justice activism that Rev. Lawson has built over seven decades as one of Houston鈥檚 most influential civic and religious leaders. The first scholarship created solely for undergraduates majoring in the African American Studies (AAS) Program at the University of Houston, the award gives preference to students from Jack Yates High School in Houston鈥檚 Third Ward and Booker T. Washington High School in Independence Heights.
Conyers personally endowed the scholarship in recognition of Lawson鈥檚 tireless advocacy for African Americans, Hispanics, women and the poor on a local, national, and international basis. Conyers was also inspired by Lawson鈥檚 work as the founder of Houston鈥檚 historic Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, where he remains pastor emeritus since retiring in 2004. Rev. Lawson was a close ally of Martin Luther King, Jr. and headed Houston鈥檚 chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for over three decades. Additionally, Lawson鈥檚 commitment to social justice was the inspiration for the Houston-based William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity, which supports individuals in need of educational opportunity, affordable housing and legal representation.
鈥淭hough Rev. Lawson is in his early nineties, he remains very active in our communities, and his work is more relevant now than ever,鈥� Conyers said. 鈥淲hen students receive a competitive legacy scholarship such as this, they have the opportunity to learn about the achievements and life story of the scholarship鈥檚 namesake. It is my hope that Rev. Lawson鈥檚 shining example will inspire AAS majors to begin their own journeys in activism, and I am honored to celebrate the scholarship鈥檚 creation with him.鈥�
Prior to the Fall 2019 semester, a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American studies was established in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the program.
For more information on how to support the African American Studies Program at the 91视频, email us at classdevelopment@uh.edu.