Brother Henry Williams

Brother Dr. Henry Williams Ed. D (May 25, 1925 – January 28, 2025) A devoted educator, respected leader and proud WWII veteran, Bro. Williams lived a life of service to his country, fraternity, church and community. Bro. Williams was born in New Orleans and raised in the 7th Ward. He began his education at Valena C. Jones elementary school, completed junior high at Albert Wicker and graduated with honors from McDonough 35 high school (Salutatorian) in 1941. After high school, Bro. Williams was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 17 during World War II, serving bravely in a segregated unit in the Pacific Front on the island of Tinian. Upon returning home after the war ended, Bro. Williams enrolled into Dillard University. While attending Dillard he served as the Student Council president in 1948 and graduated in 1950 with a bachelors degree in Education (Magna Cum Laude). Because Louisiana did not offer graduate degrees to African Americans at that time due to segregation, Bro. Williams was provided with the opportunity to attend two Ivy League schools on scholarship. He received a master’s degree in Education from Columbia University in 1959 and a Doctorate degree in Education from Harvard University in 1972, dedicating his professional career to shaping young minds for the next several decades.

Bro. Williams began his teaching career at the segregated Thomy Lafon school in 1951 and quickly became a beloved educator know for his wisdom, kindness and unwavering commitment to his students. After teaching at two other schools in the New Orleans area, his leadership skills led him to serve as principal of Peter S. Lawton and Paul S. Dunbar schools. He later returned to the new Thomy Lafon school as principal in 1964 where he inspired thousand of students and faculty members. In 1967 he took on the role of becoming the first African American assistant superintendent of the New Orleans Public Schools, working tirelessly to improve education in his community.

During his illustrious career in public education, Bro. Williams worked on numerous projects that had a positive and lasting impact on the New Orleans public school system. From 1971 to 1973, Bro. Williams led system efforts to end segregation among school faculty. He authored the system’s Affirmative Action plan and directed the Title VI compliance program for New Orleans public schools to promote equal opportunity for women at all levels of school employment and administration. From 1974 to 1978, Bro. Williams administered the Rockefeller Foundation’s community development grant resulting in the formation of UAPSDA (University Area Public Schools Development Association), groups to support the development of magnet schools. From 1971 to 1982, Bro. Williams, administered the system’s ESAA (Emergency School Assistance Act) program, which pioneered open classrooms, promoted equal learning opportunities for all students. Bro. Williams also served as the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services from 1972 to 1982 and retired in 1982.

Bro. Williams’ Community Involvement includes:

– Louisiana State Museum – Board Member

– New Orleans Council on Aging – Vice President

– Louisiana Retired Teachers Association – 1st Vice President

– Dillard University Board of Trustees – 30 years (secretary 25 years)

– Flint-Goodrich Hospital Board of Management

– The Urban League

Bro. Henry Williams’ Omega Accomplishments

• Initiated into the fraternity on November 17,1947 (Theta Sigma Chapter)

o Vice Basileus – 1948

o Pledge Club and Smoker Chairman

o Chapter Reporter

• Joined Rho Phi Chapter 1950

o Life Member Number 2125

o Basileus – 1971-1972; 1984-1985

o Chairman – Achievement Week Committee 5 years

o Chairman – Talent Hunt Committee 3 years

o Chairman – Health Committee

o Project Leader – Senior Citizens Committee

o Secretary – Crescent City Ques Board

o Vice Chairman – Membership rehabilitation – 2 years

o Omega Man of the Year 1982, 1997

o Chapter Song Leader

o Received his 70 year pin in 2017