STAFF WRITER

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.

His most defining contribution was the successful effort to desegregate Charlottesville’s public schools. In 1955, he and his wife, Lorraine Payne Williams, initiated a foundational lawsuit challenging the segregation policies. The response from the state was a tactic known as “Massive Resistance,” leading to the closure of two public schools rather than compliance with the court order.

When the schools were eventually reopened in 1962, the Williams family made history. Their two young daughters, Karol and Scheryl, became the central figures of integration, walking into the formerly all-white schools under police escort. This bold act dismantled a major racial barrier. The lasting impact was beautifully demonstrated years later when Scheryl was crowned Homecoming Queen at the newly integrated Lane High School.

Williams recognized that true equality required addressing economic disparity, particularly the critical need for housing. He was deeply troubled by the destruction of the predominantly African American neighborhood of Vinegar Hill during urban renewal efforts, which intensified the demand for quality, affordable homes.

Responding to this crisis, Williams, along with his wife Lorraine, brother Albert, and sister-in-law Emma, established Dogwood Housing Limited Partnership in 1980. Through this venture, they purchased and refurbished 62 housing units, dedicated to offering dignified, affordable residences to low-income families. Their property management company successfully ran this initiative for nearly three decades, until its sale in 2007, solidifying Williams’s vision of blending social advocacy with practical community development.

Williams’s lifetime of selfless dedication to service was widely celebrated. In 2015, the Virginia General Assembly formally commended his efforts with House Joint Resolution No. 743, acknowledging his pivotal role in eliminating racial barriers and ensuring access to affordable housing. His commitment to “Service Above Self” was also honored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Rotary Club, which named him a Paul Harris Fellow.

On his 90th birthday, the City of Charlottesville honored him by proclaiming November 6, 2017, as EUGENE WILLIAMS DAY. From the courtroom battles for integration to the practical provision of shelter, Eugene Williams’s work established a permanent foundation for a more equitable future in Charlottesville, ensuring his legacy will continue to inspire.