Image courtesy African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus, Houston Public Library

 
February 4 - March 31, 2025
The African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus | 2nd Floor Hallway
 

A love story born from letters and nurtured through decades of dedication, the Lawson Love Letters transport you to a time of heartfelt correspondence and a timeless romance. Step into a world where years of letters changed the course of two lives forever. Labor of Love: The Lawson Love Letters highlights a unique interpretation of the Black History Month theme African Americans and Labor, by showcasing the labor of love exercised in building and sustaining relationships. These letters invite you to immerse yourself in and celebrate the extraordinary courtship of Reverend William and Mrs. Audrey Hoffman Lawson—a romance that blossomed from an audacious dormitory dare and flourished over fifty-six years of unwavering love. 

Witness the evolution of their relationship as Audrey, a student at Tennessee State University, reached out to William (affectionately known as Bill), an alumnus she had never met. Through their daily letters, a remarkable bond formed—bridging the distance and transcending the constraints of time, long before the digital age. The letters, initially platonic, filled with warmth and growing affection, trace Bill’s realization that he had fallen for this faceless young woman. Despite never having exchanged photographs, their connection was undeniable. Bill’s journey to St. Louis, under the pretext of visiting relatives, led to a brief but impactful courtship, ending with their wedding on January 30, 1954. 

The vivid memory of Audrey’s bright red corduroy suit on their first meeting earned her the endearing nickname “Little Red,” symbolizing their enduring love. Bill’s proposal at a summer camp was followed by a heartfelt request for Audrey’s father’s blessing. The ruby engagement ring he gave her, surrounded by diamonds, symbolized the vibrant red theme that marked their relationship. 

 

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Saturday, February 22, 2025 - African American Archives Tour

 

EXPLORE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

 

Rev. William and Audrey Lawson Collection (MSS 0200)

These three volumes tell the story of a courtship that began between two people who had never seen each other, and lasted for 56 years. Most people know this couple as Rev. William and Mrs. Audrey Hoffman Lawson. William had graduated from Tennessee State and Audrey transferred there after he had left. She hadn't a clue who this alumnus was, but he was writing to some of the girls in Hayes Hall, the women's dormitory. One night when they were sharing a letter from him, Audrey remarked that she liked the letters and that she might write to him. One of the girls dared her to do it, and on that dare she wrote the first letter. Can you believe that a 56-year love partnership started by a college girl taking a dare?

 

Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Collection (RG 0010)

In March of 1962, 13 pioneering worshippers assembled in the lounge of Texas Southern University's Baptist Student Union for the sole purpose of establishing an ecclesiastical form of expression through which the worship of God and service to mankind could coexist. Founder Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson and the original members served to improve social justice and demand change. The institution quickly became one of Houston's leading African American churches actively in its community giving back to the needy. The Wheeler Baptist Church Collection houses the papers of the church from 1968 to 2010. This collection consists of vital news clippings, various event programs, annual reports, and funeral programs.

 

 

CHECK OUT THE CATALOG

 

Kid/Juvenile

 

Teen

 

Adult

 

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