Cecil Williams (pastor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cecil Williams
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Williams and his wife Janice Mirikitani
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| Born |
Albert Cecil Williams
September 22, 1929 San Angelo, Texas, U.S.
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| Died | April 22, 2024 (aged 94) |
| Education | B.A. (Sociology), Huston–Tillotson University (1952) ThM, Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University (1955) |
| Occupation | Evangelist, activist, community leader, author |
| Spouse(s) |
Evelyn Robinson
(m. 1956; div. 1976) |
| Children | 2 with Robinson |
Albert Cecil Williams (September 22, 1929 – April 22, 2024) was an American pastor and a strong voice for fairness. He worked as an activist and community leader. He was best known as the pastor of Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco. He helped many people and fought for the rights of all.
Contents
Growing Up and Education
Cecil Williams was one of six children. He was born in San Angelo, Texas. His parents were Earl Williams Sr. and his mother. He had four brothers and one sister.
Williams studied sociology and earned a degree in 1952. He then went on to study theology. He was one of the first African-American students to graduate from the Perkins School of Theology in 1955.
In 1963, he became the pastor of Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco, California. The next year, he helped start a group called the Council on Religion and the Homosexual. This group worked to support the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
Williams welcomed everyone to his church. He hosted important discussions and gatherings. Famous people like Angela Davis and the Black Panthers spoke there. Other speakers included Bill Cosby and Billy Graham.
In 1967, Williams made a big change at the church. He had the cross removed from the church's main worship area. He said the cross was a symbol of death. He wanted his church to celebrate life and living instead. He explained, "We must all be the cross." This meant people should live out their faith by helping others.
Working for Equal Rights
Williams used his experiences from the civil rights movement to help others. He was one of the first African-Americans to get involved in the gay rights movement. This movement worked for equal rights for gay people.
In 1964, he gave a speech in San Francisco. He encouraged gay people to use their votes. He believed voting could help them gain political power and make changes. He wanted everyone to have the same rights and opportunities.
His Impact on the Community
Under Williams's leadership, Glide Memorial Church grew a lot. It became a church with 10,000 members. People of all races, ages, genders, and backgrounds were welcome.
Glide Memorial Church became a huge help to the city. It is the largest provider of social services in San Francisco.
- They serve over three thousand meals every day.
- They offer health support and check-ups.
- They have adult education programs.
- They help women who are facing tough times. This includes people who do not have a home or need help with their feelings.
Williams retired as pastor in 2000. He was 70 years old, which was the required retirement age for pastors in his church. Even after retiring as pastor, he continued to serve the community. He became the "Minister of Liberation" and CEO of the Glide Foundation. He held these roles until 2023.
In August 2013, a street intersection in San Francisco was named "Rev. Cecil Williams Way." This was done to honor his important work.
Both Williams and the church were featured in the 2006 movie The Pursuit of Happyness.
Family and Later Life
Williams was married to Evelyn Robinson from 1956 to 1976. They had two children, a son named Albert and a daughter named Kim. He later married Janice Mirikitani, a poet, in 1983. She passed away in 2021.
Cecil Williams died on April 22, 2024. He was 94 years old.
Images for kids
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Williams speaking in San Francisco's Board of Supervisors chambers in support of the International Hotel tenants.
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Williams walking south on Kearny Street at the January 1977 protest
