If Harlem can be said to have a bellwether, a focused visionary, it was Lloyd Williams. As president and CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of Harlem Week, his leadership was indispensable. Williams died Tuesday, following a private and courageous battle with cancer. He was 80.
The 51st Harlem Week celebration is currently underway and will continue until Aug. 17, said Winston Majette, executive director of the Chamber. “Our theme this year is ‘Celebrate Our Magic,’ which is fitting because Lloyd always celebrated the magic of his beloved community,” he added.
Very little transpired in Harlem without Williams’ knowledge, and far too many instances without his imprimatur. When he called a meeting, the movers and shakers of Harlem showed up, along with several of the city’s major players — and if anyone arrived late they knew a chastisement from him would be part of the minutes.
His touch, his footprint was indelible on Harlem’s history, and he summoned a coterie of leaders to help him document the community’s illustrious history and culture. One of his most significant volumes to that end was “Forever Harlem,” and a second volume was in progress.
Williams is known for developing and co-founding Harlem Week, which he, along with friend Voza Rivers, former Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton and numerous others, grew from a one-day event in 1974 to the major celebration of arts, culture and community joy that is currently running through Aug. 17.
RELATED: AmNews Archives: Lloyd A. Williams through the years
Much of his time recently was devoted to rounding up the staff and volunteers to ensure that another edition of Harlem Week was consistent with its remarkable past. Only a few New Yorkers and Harlemites were aware that Williams, whose family has lived in Harlem since 1919, was the godson of Malcolm X, but he recounted that relationship numerous times to his confederates and they got to know it verbatim.
“Once a month, we had breakfast with him as he encouraged us, gave us history lessons, and shared his vision for the future,” Williams recalled. “Malcolm X also allowed us to listen to some of the discussions that he had at the restaurant with others. He then would quiz us as to what we had learned from our observations.”
We can say for certain that Williams not only absorbed those moments but put them into practice in various aspects of empowering Harlem. There is so much more to be said about this tireless leader and advocate for Harlem, and we will continue this encomium and prepare for the memorial tribute.
Rip to him and I love Harlem week
Lloyd Williams dedicated his life to the work of uplifting his fellow Harlemites, and showing the world through Harlem Week that these neighborhoods were the center of American and international culture, music and the arts. He led by example and made more of an impact on the enrichment of Harlem than most politicians over the last 50 years combined… but only God and those in the know, know what he meant to these communities. God rest his soul in peace… he earned it!
Lloyd and I went PS 184 on 116th st. In Harlem.
Lloyd Williams and I met in 1977 or 1978. He was the President of the Uptown Chamber of Commerce (later re-named The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce) and I was in charge of branch banking for Chemical Bank in Northern Manhattan. We became close friends over many years and I sat on the Executive Board of the GHCC for 35 years. I got to know Lloyd as the most loyal, toughest and most demanding person I ever met. Whatever he demanded from others, was less than he demanded of himself. He was the hardest working guy and he loved his people. He also loved his family hugely! I will value my time with Lloyd Williams all the days I walk this earth. He was one of the most special people I have ever had the joy of knowing. Lloyd Williams, a great model for ALL who would work hard to improve lives for others. Lloyd Williams, an American hero, my forever friend! Rest easy, dear brother, your work is done.
This is a beautiful tribute and rings so true. He was unflagging!
Beautiful Hank! Lloyd would love your bait down memory lane! Hugs and Love to you from Michele, Mary Harris – ConEd’s daughter. She sends her love from Vegas to you!
Typo- Lloyd would love your comments down memory lane! Hugs
What a lovely surprise message! Thank you, Michele, and please let your Mom know that I send her my love and respect right back!
On behalf of the Membership of the National Action Network, we send our condolences to the Family of Lloyd Williams on the passing of Mr. Williams.
He was as generous as he was well connected. He had more empathy and care for others in his pinky than most people have in their whole soul.
And he loved Harlem like no one else. He spent so much time talking in recent months about the passing of his friends Dr. Hazel Dukes and Honorable Charles Rangel, it’s a shock that he was battling cancer all along. What a legend!!
I can’t imagine life in Harlem without Lloyd Williams. My life is full and great because Lloyd saw me as a worthy mentee. I remember our days on the community board, where I was the first teen appointed and he ran me on his slate helping him to become board chair. A few years ago, he invited me to do a breakfast meeting at his home, it was one of the best conversations I ever had — giving me guidance for my future. Every time after that meeting, he would say let not stop talking, you’re a son to me. He was invaluable.
We played one on one basketball as teenagers at the Minisink Town House located then on 155th st. in Wash. Hts.
Since then you’ve done really, really good. Rest in peace my buddy.
Ernie L.
In the week that he helped put Harlem on the international map, Harlem lost one of its legendary leaders, Loyd Williams. This is painful because we just lost the lion of Lenox last month and they were good friends. There is so much economic development work that needed his vision and support. Personally I was hoping to have the chance and opportunity to work with him as the greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce is so integral to the vitality of the economic growth of Harlem. This is one of those moments in time where we have to pause and take into account what is happening around us because as we
Should be celebrating a Harlem Renaissance Centennial, we are losing our some of the greatest leaders Harlem has ever seen. Lloyd Williams will be greatly missed, and the chamber must continue to carry forth his legacy.
Tribute to Lloyd Williams
“Your good works speaks for you”
Lloyd Williams a man whom you could depend,
Destined to always make things happen, not only now and again.
Tough as nails some would say
Successful he was in multiple ways.
Mentor and friend to his fellow men
Guiding the youths, he saw potential in them.
Many works he created through his creative point of view
Lloyd, these are a few of the reasons why we will miss you.
With leadership skills you were a leader of men.
Strong and stable, many learned to depend.
Forever you will live on.
Good works which you started will never end.
Your power and wisdom will never depart,
Rest from your labor, you will remain in our hearts,
As you rest peacefully in God’s loving arms.
Wonderful tribute Max! Ik Lloyd was very grateful for your hard work! You know we Harris’ & Roysters love you!!! Mmmwah
🌿Forever memory eternal ,,, Surely resting in peace ,,, Lamenting, because there is only one born human, who is actually humane ,,, every 100yrs. to fill in the interim gap🌿
My heart goes out to his family and his friends of l♡ve and life.
Glory in his remembrance~AMEN🙏
Peace To The Family: I would like to send my sincere condolences to the family and friends. Mr. Williams was an outstanding Harlem Builder. I meet him over 30 years ago and he has always showed me absolutely 💯 of kindness. He will truly be missed. I’m so devastated for his wife. She is an amazing person. His son Ade also has always been there for the 5% Nation of God’s and Earth’s. Please rest in peace 🙏🏾. Peace
The Queen Earthly Jewels
Lloyd was a visionary whose words and actions spoke loudly and shall continue to benefit the generations that follow. He was tough and demanding and such a giving and supportive person! I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Lloyd and the Harlem community in the 80’s and 90’s and was a member of the Harlem Week Board. Lloyd challenged and/or inspired people of all ages, backgrounds, etc.. He was an angel sent to make a difference and he did!
Rest in peace Lloyd and thank you for all you did to help make things better for all of us.
Mary E. Harris
Beautiful Tribute Mommy!
It is with great sorrow and deep pain
I wish to say goodbye to the most honest
hard working man I ever met. He was one
of a dying breed, shot straight from the hip
and pulled no punches. I’ve never worked
harder in my life to please anyone, because I knew Lloyd was working hard too God has made a place for him
D Oliver
Lloyd was married to my cousin Valorie – I loved him from the day I met him. He truly loved his wife, his family & all people & you felt that love in his presence. Lloyd left his mark on not only Harlem, by this world & he will be missed. Love to you Valorie & the family.
Jacinta Marshall
A legend of a man who made the world a better place. He will be missed dearly. He has been called home to be with the angels. Heartfelt condolences and love to his family, colleagues and friends during this difficult time.
As the person assigned to Harlem Week activities, by then Executive Director,John Palmer, I met Lloyd Williams who shephered my journey representing Harlem Hospital during Harlem month activities. I will always be grateful to have worked with the folk at Harlem Chamber of Commerce, which led to the friendship of a remarkable woman, Mrs. Volarie Williams.