| State Representative Al Williams proudly serves the citizens of House District 168 in Georgia.
Elected to the Georgia General Assembly in 2002 after a life of civic and political involvement,
he was sworn in among a cohort 52 freshmen state representatives on January 13, 2003. Rep.
Williams embodies the essence of a devoted family man, dedicated church leader, military
veteran, businessman and a steadfast advocate for the hardworking people of Georgia.
In his role within the Georgia House of Representatives, Rep. Williams contributes his expertise
to various important committees. He serves on the Rural Development Council, Appropriations
Subcommittee for Public Safety, the Special Subcommittee on State Prisons, the House Rules
Committee, as well as committees focused on Economic Development and Tourism, Defense
and Veteran Affairs, Game Fish and Parks and Regulated Industries. His commitment extends
beyond these committees as he is also a member of the Georgia Joint Military Defense
Commission. Notably, he has served as the past chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black
Caucus, the largest Black caucus in America and has received numerous local, state and national
accolades, including the nationally prestigious Trumpet Award in 2008.
Rep. Williams' political journey began at a young age. At just 13 years old, he became a door
knocker for John F. Kennedy during the 1960 presidential campaign. This early involvement
fueled his passion for civic engagement, leading him to obtain his first NAACP card and become
the inaugural NAACP Youth Council president for the Liberty County Branch. His leadership
roles continued as he served as the State Youth Council vice president for Georgia, the first
African American national committeeman for the Young Democrats of Georgia and as the first
African American state representative from Liberty County since Reconstruction. He also
contributed as a political advisor and session aide to influential leaders like Zell Miller and the
late Senator Glenn Bryant.
Rep. Williams' commitment to civil rights is highlighted by his participation in historic marches.
He marched in the first "March on Washington" in 1963 and participated in the Selma to
Montgomery march in 1965. Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, he was jailed 17 times for
his activism. His dedication to the Democratic Party is reflected in his service as a delegate to eight Democratic National Conventions (DNC), where he also sat on the Rules Committee
during the DNC in Philadelphia.
In addition to his political service, Rep. Williams is an esteemed board member of the Liberty
County Visitors and Tourism Committee, the Chairman of the Liberty County Development
Authority and a board member of the Midway Coast Regional Airport Authority. He is the vice
chairman of Fair Fight Action and a founding board member alongside Stacey Abrams. He holds
the title of NAACP Silver Life Member and is an active participant in several organizations,
including the Liberty County Democratic Committee, Liberty County Chamber of Commerce,
National Association of State Legislators, National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the
Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. His leadership extends to his role as vice chairman of Liberty
County's development and tourism authorities.
Born and raised in Liberty County to the late Alexander and Carrie Williams, Rep. Williams was
nurtured in a family steeped in strong church and community values. He grew up with his twin
sister and two other siblings, influenced by a father who worked as a laborer and a mother who
dedicated her career to teaching in the Liberty County School System. His grandfather, the late
Rev. W. C. Shipman, holds the distinction of being the first Black registered voter and first
NAACP member in Liberty County.
As a Vietnam War veteran, Rep. Williams brings a wealth of experience to his service. He
pursued his education at Saint Leo University and John Marshall School of Law, earning an
Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Trinity Bible College.
One of Rep. Williams' most cherished memories is a visit to the Holy Land in 2000 with his
beloved wife, Olivia. Together, they have celebrated more than 40 years of marriage and are
proud parents to five sons.
Through his enduring commitment to public service, Al Williams continues to exemplify the best
qualities of leadership, advocating for the needs and aspirations of his community while fostering
a legacy of empowerment and progress. |