Harlem Honors Civil Rights Icon Franklin H. Williams with Street Dedication

UPDATE: In a powerful tribute to civil rights leader Franklin H. Williams, community leaders and judges gathered in Harlem today to dedicate an intersection in his honor, marking what would have been his 108th birthday. The celebration took place on October 22, 2025, at the corner of East 136th Street and Fifth Avenue, just outside the Riverton Housing Complex, where Williams lived for much of his life.

The dedication serves as a poignant reminder of Williams’ extensive contributions to civil rights, having fought tirelessly against racial injustice throughout his career. Notably, he served as assistant counsel to Thurgood Marshall and was pivotal in the NAACP’s efforts to dismantle school segregation. His work included a landmark fight against the exclusion of Black jurors, a practice that didn’t formally end until the 1986 U.S. Supreme Court decision Batson v. Kentucky.

During the event, Joyce Hartsfield, former executive director of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, emphasized the importance of keeping Williams’ legacy alive. “If you mention a person’s name, and keep their stories alive, then they will be a part of you forever,” she stated, highlighting the emotional weight of the occasion.

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, now a permanent entity named after him, advises state court decision-makers on issues impacting people of color. Under Williams’ leadership as chair from 1987 to 1990, the commission produced a 1991 report revealing pervasive racial bias in New York State courts.

Speakers at the dedication included Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, and Shirley Troutman, Court of Appeals Associate Judge, both of whom co-chair the commission. They underscored the ongoing relevance of Williams’ work in today’s fight for equality and justice.

Built in the 1940s, the Riverton Housing Complex was a direct response to public outcry over the segregation witnessed at the Stuyvesant Town project, which barred Black residents. This historical context amplifies the significance of the dedication, as it symbolizes both progress and remembrance.

The event drew attention from various local leaders and community members, reinforcing the collective commitment to honor the legacy of Franklin H. Williams. His impactful career extended beyond civil rights, as he played a crucial role in establishing the Peace Corps and later served as the U.S. ambassador to Ghana.

As this tribute unfolds, the community reflects on Williams’ enduring influence and the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. The newly named intersection stands not only as a memorial but also as a call to action for future generations to continue the fight against racial injustice.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and its implications for civil rights advocacy in Harlem and beyond.