Romeo M. Williams facts for kids

Romeo Marcus Williams (born June 4, 1919 – died August 16, 1960) was an American lawyer who fought for civil rights. He helped organize big student protests against segregation in Marshall, Texas. Segregation was a system that kept Black and white people separate, often treating Black people unfairly.

Williams also worked with William J. Durham, another important civil rights lawyer in Dallas, Texas. Durham was involved in major U.S. Supreme Court cases like Sweatt v. Painter and Smith v. Allwright. These cases helped challenge unfair laws.

Before becoming a lawyer, Williams was an officer and trained fighter pilot in the United States Army Air Forces. He was part of the 332nd Fighter Group, famously known as the Tuskegee Airmen. These were the first African American military pilots in the U.S. armed forces.

Early Life and Education

Growing Up in Marshall

Romeo Williams was born on June 4, 1919. His family lived in the Sunny South neighborhood of Marshall, Texas, which was mostly African American. His father, Milton Williams, Sr., owned the Peoples Funeral Home. This business started in 1923. It was located near Bishop College, a college for Black students.

His mother, Josie P. Campbell Williams, was also important. She was the first African American female funeral director in East Texas. His parents owned several other funeral homes and an insurance company. Romeo had two brothers, Milton Jr. and Joseph.

School Days and College

In 1933, Romeo finished grade school in Marshall. He then went to H. B. Pemberton High School. He was a very good student. He played the saxophone in the school band. He also played on the American football and baseball teams.

After high school, Williams went to Prairie View A&M College. After one year, he moved to Bishop College. He graduated from Bishop College on May 23, 1941, with a Bachelor of Science Degree. While there, he joined the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in 1939.

For a short time, Williams worked in his family's funeral business. But after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, he wanted to become a fighter pilot.

On June 10, 1951, Williams married Edith Arbuckle Williams in Dallas, Texas. They went on their honeymoon to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Becoming a Tuskegee Airman

Flying for His Country

In 1942, Romeo Williams made history in East Texas. He was the first African American young person from the area to pass the U.S. Army Air Corps entrance exam. On December 13, 1942, he completed his training. He earned his wings and became a 2nd Lieutenant.

Even though he did not fight in World War II, he helped a lot. He flew different types of aircraft across the United States. On September 15, 1945, he left the military with honor. He had reached the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Becoming a Lawyer

After leaving the military, Williams wanted to go to law school. But at that time, no law schools in Texas accepted African American students.

So, Williams moved to St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Lincoln University School of Law. He earned his law degree on June 6, 1949. Soon after, he became a junior partner at a law firm in Dallas, Texas. This firm belonged to William J. Durham. Durham was a very important civil rights attorney. He worked on two major U.S. Supreme Court cases: Sweatt v. Painter and Smith v. Allwright.

During his seven years as a lawyer in Dallas, Williams helped start a group. On May 4, 1952, he co-founded the Barristers' Club. This group was later called the "J. L. Turner Legal Association." It was a bar association for African American lawyers. The group met every month. They talked about ways to fight against unfair treatment. Their work helped the NAACP open its regional office in Dallas in the early 1950s.

Working to End Segregation

In 1956, Williams moved back to Marshall, Texas. He opened his own law office there. It was right next door to his family's funeral home.

Between March and August 1960, Williams helped organize big student protests. Students marched at the courthouse. They also held sit-ins at lunch counters. These included places like F. W. Woolworth and bus stations. At the courthouse, firemen used water hoses on many students. Students were arrested for unlawful assembly.

His Legacy and Impact

A Tragic Loss

On August 16, 1960, Romeo Williams was defending students. These students had been arrested for taking part in civil rights sit-ins and protests in Marshall, Texas. He was driving two student clients, Mae Etta Johnson and Bernice Halley, back to their home. A railroad switching engine hit Williams' car.

Romeo Williams and Mae Etta Johnson died instantly. Bernice Halley was seriously injured.

Williams' family funeral home held his funeral. It took place at Marshall's New Bethel Baptist Church. The president of Bishop College, Milton K. Curry, gave the eulogy. Williams was buried in his family's plot at Powder Mill Cemetery in Marshall.

Marshall Becomes Fairer

On December 14, 1960, a court reversed the convictions. This meant all charges against the students were dropped. Soon after, Marshall ended segregation in all public places. Romeo Williams' work and sacrifice helped make this happen.