An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Leader Roger Gousse
Project Description
A discussion with legal scholar Professor Neil G. Williams about his personal life experiences and the role of U.S. law and politics in perpetuating racial injustice.
Professor Williams, the Nathaniel R. Jones Jr. Professor at Loyola School of Law, was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and raised in 1960s Atlanta, a period marked by the tail end of Jim Crow and the civil rights movement. With a mother who was a dedicated third-grade teacher and a father who was among the first licensed Black veterinarians in Georgia, Williams grew up in a household deeply connected to the civil rights struggle, including personal ties to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Despite the challenges of segregation, Williams excelled academically, becoming the first Black valedictorian of his integrated high school and graduating summa cum laude from Duke University. Inspired by civil rights heroes and the impactful narrative of “Simple Justice” by Richard Kluger, Williams pursued a career in law, clerking for Judge George Leighton and practicing at Sidley & Austin, where he famously introduced Barack Obama to Michelle Robinson. Since 1989, Williams has been a transformative figure at Loyola, deeply involved in mentoring and promoting diversity as the faculty advisor for the Black Law Students Association. His innovative “step” method of teaching and commitment to an anti-racist mission continue to shape the next generation of legal professionals.
Oral History Interview with Niel G. Williams - xx/xx/xxxx (date)
Presentation Slides
Presentation Recording