Aubrey Willis Williams was born in Alabama on August 23, 1890, into a poverty-stricken family that had been left destitute after the Civil War. At the age of six, he began working to help support his parents and siblings. Despite his challenging upbringing, Williams was determined to pursue a higher education.
Williams worked tirelessly to pay his own way through Maryville College and the University of Cincinnati. He later earned a PhD from the University of Bordeaux in France. At the age of thirty, he embarked on a career as a social worker in the Midwest, where he quickly gained recognition for his dedication to serving the community.
One of Williams' most significant contributions was his leadership of the National Youth Administration during the New Deal era of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In this role, he implemented programs to support young people during the Great Depression, providing them with valuable opportunities for education and employment.
Aside from his work with the National Youth Administration, Williams also held prominent positions with the Wisconsin Conference of Social Work and the Southern Conference Education Fund. Through his various roles, he remained committed to advocating for social justice and equality.
In his later years, Williams became known for his activism in civil rights and anti-war movements. He was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War and, even while battling cancer, he urged President Lyndon B. Johnson to end the conflict. Williams' unwavering dedication to social causes made a lasting impact on the communities he served.
Aubrey Willis Williams' legacy is one of tireless dedication to social justice and equality. Throughout his life, he worked to uplift those in need and fight for a more just society. His influence continues to be felt in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the pursuit of a more peaceful world.