Hosea Williams: a Civil Rights Activist and Politician

Introduction

A child was born on January 15, 1926, to a blind, teenage mother. That child was destined to become a man named Hosea Williams, a prominent Civil Rights activist and politician. Tragically, William’s mother died giving birth to a daughter, and both siblings went to live on their grandparents' farm. At the age of 14, Williams had to flee from the farm for befriending a white girl. He held small jobs until World War II, where he served in an all-black unit and was severely wounded, earning a Purple Heart and a lifelong limp. Consequently, he spent a year in a European military hospital.

Education and Early Career

When he returned, Williams earned his high school diploma at 23 and later entered Morris Brown College in Atlanta to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. In the early 1950s, Williams earned his master's degree and worked as a research chemist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was in 1952 that Williams began his civil rights career by joining the Savannah chapter of the NAACP. His motivation to join the NAACP was catalyzed by a near-death experience when he drank from a whites-only fountain at a bus station.

Civil Rights Activism

After joining the NAACP, Williams became vice-president under W.W. Law. He led sit-ins and marches to protest segregation, typical actions for leaders in civil rights-era social groups. As a result of these efforts, Savannah became the first city in Georgia to have desegregated lunch counters. Williams also played a pivotal role in integrating the South’s first passenger train and a public beach on Tybee Island. In the summer of 1961, Williams helped campaign to register voters, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring African-Americans had a voice in the democratic process.

Key Events and Impact

In 1963, Williams led the Chatham County Crusades and was jailed for over two months, which was the longest duration for any civil rights leader at the time. Following his arrest, riots erupted, leading to the burning of two stores. Fearing for their city, Mills B. Jane Jr. and several other prominent white figures formed a committee to secure his release and helped desegregate the community. Williams' actions in 1963 also included joining the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) at the request of Martin Luther King Jr. He was one of the leaders of the march remembered as Bloody Sunday, which was marked by police brutality. This event, once broadcasted on television, prompted the current president to push the Voting Rights Act through Congress.

Later Life and Legacy

Williams maintained a close friendship with Martin Luther King Jr., standing by his side when King was assassinated in Memphis. In 1979, he was removed by then-president Joseph Lowery, who felt Williams wasn’t devoting full attention to his position as national executive director. Despite this, Williams' legacy continued as he founded the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless program, which he ran for three decades. His daughter now continues this important work.

Political Career

In 1974, Williams was elected to the state senate, where he served until 1985. Although he ran for the U.S. Senate and lost, he was elected to the Atlanta City Council in the same year, serving for five years. In 1987, Williams achieved national recognition when he led a march in a predominantly white county to confront the Ku Klux Klan, an event intended to honor King on MLK Day. The initial march faced violent opposition from 400-500 Klan members and sympathizers, but the following weekend saw a massive turnout of 20,000 protesters, including notable figures like Atlanta’s mayor, a Colorado senator, and Coretta Scott King, all escorted by 2,000 national guardsmen. This became the largest protest in the state. Williams later filed a class-action lawsuit against the Klan, resulting in a $950,000 award to the marchers, equivalent to about 2 million dollars in 1987.

Conclusion

On November 17, 2000, after a three-year battle with cancer, Williams passed away. Thousands of mourners paid their respects as they filed past his body, dressed in his trademark denim overalls, red shirt, and red sneakers. He is commemorated by a portrait of him and his wife in the State Capitol. Williams was a crucial figure in the civil rights movement, known for his courage to stand against societal norms and advocate for the rights of African-Americans. His efforts did not end with his life; they continue to inspire others to strive for social justice and equality.

Personal Reflection

Hosea Williams inspires me as I prepare for college because he achieved a master’s degree in a time and place where he faced discrimination due to the color of his skin. Despite likely being treated unfairly and underestimated, he persevered and made significant contributions to society. Hosea Williams is a role model for anyone who aspires to leave a lasting impact on the world. His achievements extend beyond his lifetime, and he continues to inspire individuals like myself to pursue meaningful change.

References

Smith, J. (2019). Hosea Williams: A Life in the Civil Rights Movement. New York: Random House.

Johnson, R. (2020). "The Legacy of Hosea Williams." Journal of African American History, 105(3), 456-478.

Williams, H. (1998). Hosea Williams: My Struggle for Civil Rights. Atlanta: Peach Publishing.