Melanie Lawson

1 month ago | abc13.com | Melanie Lawson

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- One of the most prestigious awards a publication or a writer can receive is a Pulitzer Prize. And it's rare to get even one. But a Houston woman now has three Pulitzers, a record matched only by famed writers like Edward Albee and Carl Sandberg. Lisa Falkenberg is a columnist with the Houston Chronicle, where she's worked since 2005, covering her beloved state of Texas. She was born and raised in Seguin, and was the first member of her family to go to college.

Apr 2, 2024 | abc13.com | Melanie Lawson

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Joy Sewing has wanted to be a reporter since she was 4 years old. Now, the award-winning journalist and native Houstonian has just broken an incredible glass ceiling. In December 2023, Sewing was promoted to news columnist at the Houston Chronicle and is the first Black woman to ever hold that post in more than 120 years. "It's hard to believe, but I look at it as an opportunity to just tell more stories in a bigger way," Sewing told ABC13's Melanie Lawson.

Feb 29, 2024 | abc13.com | Melanie Lawson

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As we wrap up Black History Month, we'd like to introduce you to a quiet force in Houston. Photographer Earlie Hudnall has documented many of Houston's major events and most dramatic changes, especially in minority neighborhoods. For more than four decades, Hudnall was the chief photographer for the largest HBCU in our area, historically black Texas Southern University. That meant he took pictures of many famous faces and major events both in Houston and around the globe.

Nov 14, 2023 | abc13.com | Melanie Lawson

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Soldiers from the all-Black 3rd Battalion 24th Infantry regiment were found guilty of causing a riot in Houston in 1917, and many were executed. Black soldiers were stationed at Camp Logan, an area now known as Memorial Park. In 1917, an altercation broke out between many of the northern soldiers who had never faced the crippling racism found here in this southern city and the Houston police force.

Oct 4, 2023 | abc13.com | Melanie Lawson

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A trailblazer in Houston broadcasting, who made history at ABC13 and in our city, has died at 81. Charles Porter Jr. was the first Black reporter and anchor in Houston, covering major events like the swearing-in of late-Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who was the first Black woman elected to Congress from Texas in 1972. Charlie, as he was known, had a deep booming velvety voice and the rare ability to talk to just about anyone.