Melanie Lawson
Melanie has had a varied and exhilarating career at ABC13, covering virtually every city, state and national election. She's also reported on stories as wide-ranging as Houston's first Black and female mayors to natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and the deadly Texas ice storm, to the global careers of superstar performer Beyonce and Destiny's Child.
Melanie has traveled to Cuba, Panama, Australia, Sudan and South Africa, among other national and international locations. She's won numerous awards for her reporting, including three Emmys, and she is well-known for her in-depth interviews with a wide range of notables, including three U.S. presidents, Vice President Kamala Harris, prima ballerinas Lauren Anderson and Misty Copeland, the Dalai Lama, legendary journalists Barbara Walters, Robin Roberts and Ann Curry, the late poet Maya Angelou, gospel superstar Yolanda Adams, former heavyweight champion boxer George Foreman, film directors Tyler Perry and Spike Lee, evangelists Joel and Victoria Osteen, and actors Betty White and Denzel Washington.
But Melanie's favorite stories are those about Houston's rich, multi-ethnic community - especially stories about children and those quietly working to make a difference in their lives.
Melanie's involvement in the Houston community is far reaching. She has worked with numerous community organizations, including Houston Ballet, SHAPE Community Center, Asia Society, the Rothko Chapel, the Houston Museum of African American Culture, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Children's Defense Fund, Volunteer Houston, the Ensemble Theatre, and the Houston Association of Black Journalists. She is also a member of the Texas Lone Star Chapter of the Emmys, Women in Film and Television, and the American Leadership Forum. She belongs to the Houston Chapter of Links Incorporated, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. In addition, Melanie is a former member of the Board of Trustees at Princeton University.
Melanie has been honored as the YWCA's "Outstanding Women of the Year," and has lifetime achievement awards from the Houston Press Club, Houston Community College, Women in Film and Television, and the Houston Association of Black Journalists. She's also been named a "Women of Distinction" by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, and given the Ben and Julie Rogers Ecumenism Award from the Anti-Defamation League.
Melanie received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, and a joint degree in Law and Journalism from Columbia University. She worked at a Wall Street law firm for three years before returning to Houston and broadcast journalism. She is a member of both the Texas and New York State Bars.
Last, but certainly not least, Melanie is a proud member of the church founded by her parents, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.
Melanie's Stories
Award-winning and history-making journalist Joy Sewing shares story with ABC13 of her next chapter
Before news, Joy Sewing covered fashion for more than 15 years, but here, she tells ABC13's Melanie Lawson why her perspective in life has changed and why she was inspired to tell stories in a bigger way.
Black History Month: A picture of change in Houston
Meet photographer Earlie Hudnall, the quiet force that has captured compelling images of Houston for decades.
'On the Brink' shows 'raw conversations' of abortion restriction, ABC News Rachel Scott says
"These were difficult and raw conversations," ABC News' Rachel Scott said as she and Diane Sawyer interviewed women regarding the dire impact of healthcare restrictions on pregnant women.
Army overturns 110 Black soldiers' convictions of Camp Logan riot more than a century later
The U.S. Army took steps to restore the legacy of more than 100 Black soldiers. Here's more on the convictions overturned and what this means for the history of the Camp Logan Riot.
Charles Porter Jr., 1st African-American reporter and anchor in Houston, dies at 81
Charles Porter Jr. was a trailblazer in the city and at ABC13, covering major events and had a deep, booming, velvety voice and the rare ability to talk to just about anyone.
As HISD heads back to school, ABC13 Anchor Melanie Lawson goes down memory lane in the '60s
As students head back to school this week, it brings back memories for ABC13 Anchor Melanie Lawson, who was a part of the change to integrate HISD in the '60s and helped create a new diverse reality.
Houston physician shares tips, says we should expect to live longer than past generations
It's a very exclusive group of people - those who have lived to be 100 years old and older. ABC13 spoke with a doctor about good habits to a longer life.
'This is a blessing, the Lord's blessing': Texas' oldest woman celebrates her 114th birthday
Only a handful of people can call themselves "super centenarians." ABC13 sat down with a 114-year-old Houstonian, her 94-year-old daughter, and 68-year-old granddaughter to talk about her history-making life.
102-year-old Houstonian celebrates her next birthday sharing monumental events seen in her lifetime
One week before her 103rd birthday, Houstonian Clarence Freeman tells ABC13 about the major events she's witnessed within the century.
Woman shares her secrets to long-lasting life after reaching 100th birthday
Living to 100 years old and beyond used to be unheard of. ABC13 spoke with a woman who celebrated her 100th birthday, and her advice for those who want a long life.