Houston broadcasting legend Melanie Lawson is giving back to the next generation of journalists with an $86,000 donation to journalism scholarship funds.
The longtime ABC13 KTRK journalist is splitting the donation equally between the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), with each organization receiving $43,000.
The donation represents $1,000 for each year of Lawson’s remarkable 43-year career at ABC13, where she became one of Houston’s most respected and beloved journalists. Her contribution reflects her commitment to supporting aspiring journalists and helping provide opportunities for the next generation.
Lawson’s $43,000 gift to HABJ will support students in the Houston area pursuing careers in journalism. The additional $43,000 donated to NABJ will help provide scholarship opportunities to journalism students nationwide.
Lawson announced the donation via Zoom during the Houston Convention kickoff for the 2027 NABJ Conference. Houston is scheduled to host the national convention next year.
