A resolution recognizing Lloyd Ashburn Williams's unparalleled dedication to fostering economic empowerment, cultural pride, and social equity in Harlem.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 402 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 402

    Recognizing Lloyd Ashburn Williams's unparalleled dedication to 
 fostering economic empowerment, cultural pride, and social equity in 
                                Harlem.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

           September 18 (legislative day, September 16), 2025

 Mr. Schumer submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                     the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Recognizing Lloyd Ashburn Williams's unparalleled dedication to 
 fostering economic empowerment, cultural pride, and social equity in 
                                Harlem.

Whereas Lloyd Ashburn Williams was born on January 16, 1945, in Jamaica and 
        immigrated to New York City at the age of 2, where he was raised in 
        Harlem and committed his life to the advancement and empowerment of the 
        Harlem community;
Whereas Mr. Williams attended Syracuse University and developed a lifelong 
        passion for civic engagement, economic development, and cultural 
        preservation;
Whereas, in 1988, Mr. Williams was appointed President and Chief Executive 
        Officer of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, becoming one of the 
        longest-serving leaders of the organization, guiding the Chamber through 
        periods of economic challenges and revitalization over more than 4 
        decades;
Whereas, under his visionary leadership, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce 
        expanded its mission to promote minority-owned businesses, attract 
        investments, foster entrepreneurship, and support workforce development 
        initiatives that improved economic opportunities for Harlem residents;
Whereas, in 1974, Mr. Williams, along with Manhattan Borough President Percy E. 
        Sutton, Voza Rivers, and others, co-founded HARLEM WEEK, which was 
        initially designed as a 1-day event to restore community pride and 
        combat negative stereotypes and grew into a multi-week cultural festival 
        celebrating Harlem's history, art, music, business, and contributions to 
        society and attracting millions of attendees annually;
Whereas he championed key social issues, including affordable housing, education 
        reform, health equity, climate change awareness, and bridging the 
        digital divide, working tirelessly to ensure that Harlem's growth was 
        inclusive and reflective of the needs of its diverse population;
Whereas Mr. Williams served as Vice Chairman of the Harlem Arts Alliance, an 
        Executive Committee Member of NYC & Company, Chairman of the President's 
        Executive Advisory Board at The City College of New York, Founding Board 
        Member of the Apollo Theater, and Executive Board Member of the National 
        Jazz Museum in Harlem, strengthening Harlem's cultural institutions and 
        heritage;
Whereas he was also a dedicated mentor, advisor, and educator, serving as a 
        guest lecturer at prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, 
        Rutgers University, and Fordham University, sharing his expertise in 
        urban economics, tourism, business development, and public policy;
Whereas Mr. Williams received numerous awards and honors recognizing his 
        significant contributions, including an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree 
        from the University of the West Indies, designation as one of the ``Top 
        100 Most Influential New Yorkers'' by the city and State of New York, 
        acknowledgment as one of the ``Top 25 Most Influential Black New 
        Yorkers'' by the New York Amsterdam News, and recognition as one of the 
        ``Most Influential Black Professionals'' by the New York Christian 
        Times;
Whereas he was a lifelong member of the National Association for the Advancement 
        of Colored People and the National Action Network, demonstrating his 
        enduring commitment to civil rights, social justice, and community 
        advocacy;
Whereas Lloyd Ashburn Williams passed away on August 6, 2025, and is survived by 
        his wife, Valorie Roberson-Williams, his son and grandson, and two 
        brothers and a sister; and
Whereas he leaves behind a profound legacy that transformed Harlem's economic 
        landscape, cultural identity, and community spirit: Now, therefore, be 
        it
    Resolved, That the Senate recognizes Lloyd Ashburn Williams's 
unparalleled dedication to fostering economic empowerment, cultural 
pride, and social equity in Harlem.
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