Judges, political leaders, and community organizers gathered on a sunny afternoon in Harlem on October 22, 2025 to honor the legacy of civil rights attorney and diplomat Franklin H. Williams. They dedicated the intersection of East 136th Street and Fifth Avenue, adjacent to the Riverton Housing Complex where Williams spent much of his life. This dedication coincided with what would have been his 108th birthday.
Williams was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, having served as assistant counsel to Thurgood Marshall and as the NAACP’s West Coast regional director. He made significant contributions to the desegregation of schools and fought against the exclusion of Black jurors, a practice that continued until the 1986 Supreme Court ruling in Batson v. Kentucky. His work also included the establishment of the Peace Corps, where he served as regional director for Africa, and later as the U.S. ambassador to Ghana.
The dedication ceremony featured remarks from several key figures, including Joyce Hartsfield, who led the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission for nearly 30 years. Hartsfield emphasized the importance of keeping Williams’ story alive, stating, “If you mention a person’s name, and keep their stories alive, then they will be a part of you forever.”
Legacy of Franklin H. Williams
Williams’ influence extended beyond his legal achievements. As chair of the New York State Judicial Commission on Minorities from 1987 to 1990, he spearheaded a study examining the treatment of minority group members in state courts. The report published in 1991 highlighted systemic racial bias and a lack of diversity within the judicial system. In recognition of his contributions, the commission now bears his name and provides ongoing guidance regarding issues affecting employees and litigants of color within the state’s judicial system.
The intersection named for Williams is not only a tribute to his legacy but also a symbol of progress in the fight against segregation. The Riverton Housing Complex, where Williams resided, was established in the 1940s in direct response to public outcry against racially exclusive housing projects. Notable alumni of Riverton include former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, New York Supreme Court Judge Bruce Wright, and United States District Court Judge Constance Baker Motley.
Community and Judicial Support
The event showcased a strong commitment to preserving the memory of Williams and addressing ongoing issues of racial equity. The Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, Rowan D. Wilson, along with other judicial leaders, attended the event. Shirley Troutman and Troy K. Webber, co-chairs of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, also spoke, emphasizing Williams’ role in shaping a more just legal system.
As attendees reflected on Williams’ remarkable career, the dedication of the Harlem intersection served as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for civil rights and the importance of honoring those who have fought for equality. Williams’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the pursuit of justice and fairness in the legal system.
