Place ham in slow cooker and top with all other ingredients EXCEPT for the rice. Stir to combine.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours.
Carefully remove the ham and shred it with two forks.
Return the ham to the slow cooker and add the rice.
Make sure that the rice is below the liquid so that it cooks evenly.
Cover slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 hours on low or until the rice is tender. (I would check the rice every 30 minutes to make sure that it doesn't overcook and become mushy.)
Once rice is cooked, stir and remove the bay leaves. Serve warm.
Notes
If using dried black eyed peas, you will need to add to the cooking time. Cook on high until peas are soft, before adding the rice.For more flavor, you can add 2 tbsp of bacon fat at the beginning of the cooking time if you have it on hand.