[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 182 (Friday, October 31, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING NAOMI WILLIAMS AS ONE OF CALIFORNIA'S 8TH CONGRESSIONAL 
                      DISTRICT'S WOMEN OF THE YEAR

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 31, 2025

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Naomi Williams 
as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's 
Women of the Year. Ms. Williams is a true pillar of the Richmond 
community whose dedication to service has spanned over five decades. 
Her leadership has left an indelible mark on every corner of the city. 
Elected President of the Pullman Neighborhood Council in 1974, a 
position she continues to hold today. Naomi has long been a driving 
force behind Richmond's neighborhood empowerment movement. She helped 
establish the Crime Prevention Executive Board, one of the first local 
collaborations between residents and the Richmond Police Department and 
served as both a Police Commissioner and a member of the Commission on 
Aging, ensuring that accountability and inclusion were at the center of 
public decision-making. Naomi's advocacy has extended across numerous 
civic and community groups, including Black Women Organized for 
Political Action (BWOPA), the League of Women Voters, and the West 
County Democratic Club, where she has inspired voter participation and 
mentored new generations of community leaders. Her work with the 
Alcohol Policy Working Group has been especially impactful, fighting to 
protect neighborhoods from problem liquor stores, promoting public 
safety, and standing up for youth and families. Beyond her civic 
service, Naomi is deeply devoted to preserving Richmond's culture and 
history. As an organizer of the city's annual Juneteenth Festival, she 
has helped ensure that the legacy of African American achievement and 
resilience remains a vibrant part of Richmond's identity. Through 
changing times and many challenges, Naomi has remained steadfast in her 
belief that every resident deserves to be heard and respected. Her 
compassion, humor, and unrelenting commitment to justice have made her 
both a trusted voice and a beloved figure in the community. On behalf 
of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my 
pleasure to honor and recognize Naomi Williams for her invaluable 
contributions to our community.

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