I celebrate my remarkable 50+ year journey with Lloyd A. Williams—my brother in every way that matters, my trusted partner in leadership, and one of Harlem’s most dedicated advocates. Lloyd was an extraordinary leader, a proud Harlemite, a cultural visionary, and a tireless supporter of Harlem Arts Alliance, where he served as Vice Chairman, and of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, where he led as President. His presence, influence, and unshakable spirit have left an indelible mark on Harlem and the world.
Lloyd and I worked side by side to advance Harlem’s economic, cultural, and civic life. We moved through boardrooms, block associations, theaters, community centers, and City Hall with the same purpose—to ensure Harlem’s voice was heard, respected, and uplifted. Most important to me was Lloyd’s steadfast commitment to the arts and to the future generation of leaders, particularly through IMPACT Repertory Theatre and the Harlem Arts Alliance.
Our leadership was shaped by the wisdom and example of extraordinary mentors—men and women who embodied courage, intellect, and vision. Lloyd, the Godson of Malcolm X, carried the urgency, clarity, and commitment that Malcolm instilled—not only to speak truth to power but to organize, to build, and to act. We were also guided by the brilliance and integrity of Percy Sutton, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Basil Paterson, and Council Member Inez Dickens — each of them champions of justice and opportunity for Black people in New York City and beyond.
I, too, was blessed with the counsel of Clarence B. Jones, attorney, strategist, and speechwriter to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who taught me that movements require both inspiration and structure—that words have power, but lasting change demands the discipline to act on them.
These leaders were not distant figures to us. They were our teachers, our friends, and our living proof of what service and commitment look like at the highest level. They challenged us, prepared us, and entrusted us to carry the baton forward—and Lloyd and I made it our life’s work to do just that.
Lloyd was one of the most consistent people I’ve ever known. Steady. Wise. Calm in the storm. He wasn’t loud — he didn’t need to be. His presence alone brought clarity, and when he spoke, people listened. He had the rare ability to move between worlds — political, cultural, economic — and bring them together for a greater purpose.
We shared decades of conversation, strategy, laughter, loss, and vision. One of the last times we sat together, reflecting on the years behind us, he looked at me and said, “Brother, we’ve done some things.” And we had. And we did. And he did.
Lloyd, your legacy is all around us — in every corner of Harlem, in every life you touched, in every business you supported, every young leader you mentored, every event you anchored, every bridge you quietly built.
You were my brother. You still are.
And I will carry your spirit with me — in the work, in the music, in the mission, and in the love.
Rest easy, Lloyd. You’ve more than earned it.
With eternal respect and love,
Voza
Executive Producer - New Heritage Theatre Group
Founder - IMPACT Repertory Theatre Group
