Senate Resolution No. 1623
BY: Senator PARKER
HONORING Dr. Lloyd A. Williams on his posthumous
recognition by The Positive Community at the 7th
Annual Great American Emancipation Day Awards
February 28, 2026
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate individuals whose lives of service, vision, and leadership
have left an indelible mark on their communities, advancing culture,
opportunity, and justice; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
longstanding traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Lloyd A. Williams posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
as recipient of a Legacy Tribute by The Positive Community at its 7th
Annual Great American Emancipation Day Awards Celebration on Saturday,
February 28, 2026; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong New Yorker and devoted Harlem resident, Dr.
Lloyd Williams was born into a family deeply rooted in the historic
fabric of Harlem, where he cultivated a lifetime of service, advocacy,
and cultural leadership; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Williams served as President and CEO of the Greater
Harlem Chamber of Commerce, a position through which he tirelessly
advanced economic, cultural, and social development in Harlem, ensuring
that the voices, achievements, and heritage of the community were
celebrated and preserved; and
WHEREAS, As co-founder of Harlem Week, Dr. Williams transformed a
single-day celebration in 1974 into a multi-week annual festival that
highlights arts, culture, music, history, and community pride,
attracting visitors from across New York and beyond and creating
enduring opportunities for local artists, businesses, and youth; and
WHEREAS, Beyond his administrative and civic achievements, Dr.
Williams was a cultural historian and chronicler, authoring volumes such
as Forever Harlem, and mentoring generations of leaders in the
preservation of Harlem's legacy and the promotion of civic engagement;
and
WHEREAS, Known for his deep wisdom, integrity, and personal warmth,
Dr. Williams nurtured relationships with local, national, and global
leaders, including serving as the godson of Malcolm X, and consistently
leveraged his influence to foster education, empowerment, and
opportunity for Harlem residents; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Dr. Williams' visionary leadership,
unwavering commitment to community uplift, and passion for Harlem's
cultural and economic development left an enduring legacy that will
continue to inspire generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Lloyd A. Williams posthumously, and to commend his lifelong
dedication to Harlem, his transformative leadership with the Greater
Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Harlem Week, and his enduring
contributions to the cultural, social, and economic vitality of New York
City; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Dr. Lloyd A. Williams as a lasting tribute
to his remarkable life, extraordinary legacy, and the profound impact he
made on Harlem and beyond.
