“The Bachelorette” returns for season 20 this week as star Charity Lawson searches for true love!
Lawson, who was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, works as a child and family therapist and has her masters from Auburn University. She’s one of three children of David and Vickie Lawson.
You might recognize Lawson for her past experience with Bachelor Nation. She was previously a contestant on season 20 of the “Bachelor” with Zach Shallcross. She progressed to the hometown episode, introducing Shallcross to her family and confessing that she was “honestly falling in love,” with him.
While Lawson did not leave with the final rose, she won over the love of fans. Many filled her comment sections on Instagram calling her their favorite contestant and hoping she’d be the next bachelorette. In a game of “This or That,” “Bachelor” host Jesse Palmer asked her to star in the upcoming season.
Here’s what you need to know about the 27-year-old from Georgia before the new season airs Monday at 9:00 p.m. ET.
A woman of strong values
During her season, Lawson is looking for someone who “is honest, empathetic and values her for who she is,” according to the season description from ABC.
Lawson values compassion. She spent time in undergraduate volunteering with the campus kitchen and as part of a mentorship. She went into mental health counseling to take care of people.
“One of the most powerful tools we as humans have is our minds, it’s important we treat it as such, and take care of it,” Lawson said in an Instagram post after graduation.
Lawson is looking for a genuine connection, according to Bachelor Nation. Her parents have set an important example of marriage for her: They’ve been married for 47 years.
Part of something ‘so much bigger than myself’
In an interview on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Lawson discussed what it meant to be the fourth woman of color to hold this role and the second monoracial African-American woman.
“I am just honored to be able to hold that representation for other people at home that look like me, women of color. Like the little girls that can look to me and acknowledge that this is something that’s possible for them too,” she said.
Both “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” have been called out by critics for their lack of diversity. A 2020 petition called for more diversity stating “40 seasons. 18 years. 1 Black lead.”
What to expect from this season
This season, 25 men will vie for Lawson’s heart, ranging from 24 to 33 years old with jobs including a pro wrestler, yacht captain and attorney.
“The Bachelorette” Instagram has teased some big moments from the beginning of the season, including a clip of contestant Brayden going in for a kiss during the opening interviews.
As Lawson says in another video, “night one, you do not want to miss.”
How to watch, stream ‘The Bachelorette’
“The Bachelorette” is back for its 20th season on Monday, June 26 (9:00-11:00 p.m. EDT). ABC has yet to release the official schedule. However, based on previous seasons, we can likely expect 11- 12 episodes, including a Hometown and Fantasy Suite episode.
The show will air on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.
