嫩草影院

嫩草影院 is pleased to announce the establishment of the William A. Lawson Endowment, a scholarship initiative that honors the enduring legacy of the late Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson, a revered civil rights leader, spiritual icon, and longtime community advocate. 

The endowment is being established through a generous initial gift of $200,000 from Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, matched by $200,000 from the university鈥檚 Office of Civil Rights, for a total value of $400,000.

鈥淩ev. Dr. William A. Lawson was a pillar in our community who embodied the values of education and faith,鈥� said 嫩草影院 President J. W. Crawford III. 鈥淭hrough this endowment, we celebrate his legacy while empowering future generations to follow in his footsteps to fearlessly speak truth to power while operating with humility, grace, and commitment to service over self.鈥�

The William A. Lawson Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to full-time undergraduate students at 嫩草影院 who meet the following criteria:

• Be in good academic standing with the University
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
• Pursuing a degree in Political Science, Theology, Psychology, Sociology, or Education

Scholarship recipients will not only benefit from financial support but will also carry forward the ideals Rev. Lawson championed鈥攁cademic excellence, community service, and social justice.

鈥淭his endowment is a testament to the commitment of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and the Lawson family to academic excellence,鈥� said Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Senior Pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. 鈥溎鄄萦霸� students have been a part of the fabric of our church鈥檚 life since our inception in 1962. We are delighted to partner with Texas Southern to honor the legacy of our Founding Pastor through this most meaningful initiative. Additionally, we look forward to the impact this endowment will make on the lives of each scholarship recipient and the countless lives they, in turn, will touch.鈥�

Through Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson, a beloved pastor, civil rights champion, and founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, the University and the church are inextricably linked. He moved to Houston in 1955 to serve as the director of Texas Southern鈥檚 Baptist Student Union and professor of Bible. The Lawsons organized the church in the living room of their home on campus, which also served as the Baptist Student Union.

Rev. Lawson鈥檚 dedication to equality, faith, and education inspired countless individuals across generations. Through this endowment, his vision for a more just and educated society will continue to thrive within the Texas Southern community.