Charlottesville, Virginia, is remembering Eugene Williams, a pivotal figure in the state’s civil rights movement and a dedicated advocate for housing equality, who passed away at the age of 97. Williams’s life was a testament to his unwavering resolve, earning him distinction as a moral compass for his community.
Born on November 6, 1927, in Charlottesville, Williams came of age in a time of strict segregation. He navigated public schools designated only for Black children and grew up in a home that, like many others, lacked modern plumbing. His path led him through Jefferson High School, Southern University, and a period of service in the United States military. Upon returning home, he excelled in the insurance industry, rising to become a Regional Vice President for Universal Life Insurance Company.
Williams’s role in the fight for civil rights began in earnest in 1954 when he became president of the Charlottesville Branch of the NAACP. Under his leadership, the local chapter’s membership saw a dramatic increase, signifying a growing readiness for change in the community…