Houston: ABC 13’s Melanie Lawson – Highlighting The Life & Legacy of A Legendary Voice in Local Houston Journalism
A New Perspective on the Life, Career and Legacy of journalism Trailblazer, Melanie Lawson
A New Perspective on Melanie Lawson
In a recent announcement, iconic Houston journalist Melanie Lawson shared her retirement from ABC 13 News after more than 40 years of service. Known for her dignity, grace, and charm, Melanie has been a pioneering voice in Houston journalism for decades.
Although her career blossomed at ABC 13, Melanie’s roots run deep in Houston’s historic Third Ward. She is a socialite, a member of the prominent Lawson family, whose legacy is intertwined with the civil rights movement. Her father, Rev. Bill Lawson, was a renowned Baptist minister who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to desegregate Houston through nonviolent action during the 1960s.
Her father, Rev. Lawson founded Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in 1962 with just 13 charter members. Initially a small white building tucked between two historically segregated universities, the church has grown into a 15,000-member cathedral, under installinng the charasmatic Dr. Marcus D. Cosby since Rev. Lawson’s retirement in 2004 after 42 years. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church remains a cornerstone of the thirdward community, providing support , resources and social justice.
The Beginning of a Legendary Career
Melanie Lawson’s journalism career began unexpectedly. While interning at ABC 13, a simple moment of initiative changed her path. She asked to do an interview, prepared a story, and — in a serendipitous mistake — went on air before proper clearance. That moment marked the beginning of a long, impactful career that would span more than four decades.
Famous Quotes
Melanie has always shared her wisdom with aspiring journalists:
“I hope I’ve been a good example for younger journalists and storytellers… that the world is not as big and scary as it might seem, and we are definitely more alike than different.”
She adds:
“If you do the work, and hand it in, they just might put you on TV.”
Notable Interviews
Over the years, Melanie Lawson conducted interviews with some of the most influential figures of our time:
Political leaders: Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Kamala Harris
Cultural icons: Maya Angelou, Aretha Franklin, Destiny’s Child, Tyler Perry, Spike Lee
Global figures: The Dalai Lama
Other notable figures: Michelle Obama, Betty White
These interviews showcase her ability to bridge local and global audiences, bringing perspective, insight, and humanity to Houston viewers.
Awards, Achievements, and Education
Melanie Lawson’s accomplishments reflect her dedication to excellence, education, and civic leadership:
Education: Princeton University; Law and Journalism from Columbia University
Early career: Wall Street attorney, licensed to practice law in Texas and New York
Boards and Civic Service: Board of Trustees, Princeton University; Houston Ballet; Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC); SHAPE Community Center; Rothko Chapel; Volunteer Houston; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Houston Association of Black Journalists
Awards: Multiple Emmy Awards, lifetime achievement recognitions, and honors for leadership in journalism and civic engagement
Health Battle with Multiple Sclerosis
Melanie has been open about her diagnosis of chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In an interview, she described the condition as a journey through the “seven stages of grief as you lose control of the body you thought you knew.”
Her health challenges became more visible following the passing of her father, Rev. Bill Lawson, in May 2024. Reports and rumors noted that she had been increasingly dependent on mobility aids, culminating in a return to public appearances in May 2025 for a high-profile interview with Tina Knowles for her book tour, Matriarch.
Timeline of Key Events:
2010 – Melanie Falls on live air broadcast.
April 2016 – Melanie publicaly announces battle with (MS).
May 2024 – Following the passing of her father, Rev. Bill Lawson, Melanie is spotted using a wheelchair.
Mid 2024 – Reports cite a “foot injury”
Mid 2024 – June 2025 – Melanie disappears from ABC 13 broadcasts.
May 2025 – Returns to ABC 13 for an interview with Tina Knowles.
November 25, 2025 – Officially announces retirement from ABC 13.
The Lawson Family & Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church: A Pillar of the Third Ward
Founded in 1962 by her father, civil rights activists Rev. Bill Lawson in— Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church has grown from humble beginnings to a thriving 15,000-member congregation, deeply rooted in civil rights advocacy. Melanie and her family’s presence in the Church continues as a family dynasty , and serves the community, and city at large. Rev. Bill Lawson’s funeral, held over two days, drew politicians, dignitaries, and national leaders, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Former Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Legacy and Influence
Melanie Lawson’s career represents a lifetime of Black excellence, journalistic integrity, community activism, and resilience. She has mentored generations of journalists, elevated stories that matter, and brought Houston into the global conversation through her interviews and reporting.
Support Independent Storytelling — Become a Subscriber
If you’ve found value in this perspective, I invite you to support independent storytelling and the work I’m building through A New Perspective. Your subscription fuels community-centered journalism, authentic narratives, and impact-driven reporting designed to inform, inspire, and empower our generation.
By becoming a paid subscriber for $9.99/month, you help sustain independent media, elevate diverse voices, and ensure that powerful stories—stories that truly matter—continue to be told without corporate influence or agenda.
Join a growing community committed to truth, transparency, bold commentary, and transformative ideas shaping the future of our culture, faith, business, and society.
👉 Subscribe today for $9.99/month and help keep this work alive, thriving, and reaching the people who need it most.