[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. PRESTON N. WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2026

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr. 
Preston N. Williams on the occasion of his 100th birthday. This 
milestone represents a century of wisdom, scholarship, leadership, and 
faith. Few people leave a legacy that touches classrooms, churches, 
universities, communities, and generations of students the way Dr. 
Williams has throughout his extraordinary life.
  Born in the rural town of Alcolu, South Carolina, Dr. Williams is a 
graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, Johnson C. Smith 
University, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard University. His life has 
reflected an extraordinary commitment to learning and faith. His 
distinguished teaching career at historically Black colleges, Boston 
University, and Harvard Divinity School inspired generations of 
students and colleagues alike. In every setting, Dr. Williams has 
nurtured minds and spirits, encouraging students to recognize their own 
dignity, intellectual gifts, and capacity to lead during times when 
such affirmation was urgently needed.
  Dr. Williams made history as the first tenured African American 
faculty member at Harvard Divinity School and later as the first 
African American to serve as Acting Dean of the School. He also served 
as founding director of Harvard's W.E.B. Du Bois Institute. Last year, 
I was honored to receive the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal from Harvard's 
Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, the successor 
to the Du Bois Institute. A leader among his peers, he also served as 
president of the American Academy of Religion, and president of the 
Society of Christian Ethics. Dr. Williams' scholarship in Christian 
ethics, African American religion, human rights, and social justice 
helped shape both academic study and public thought in profound and 
lasting ways. Those who know him best speak most often not of titles, 
but of his kindness, integrity, generosity, and wisdom.
  Throughout his life, Dr. Williams has demonstrated a deep commitment 
to building what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called, ``the Beloved 
Community.'' He expanded opportunities for students and scholars of 
color, helped broaden the study of African American and African 
religions in theological education, and created pathways for clergy and 
civic leaders through the Summer Leadership Institute for Church-Based 
Community and Economic Development. Even beyond his formal leadership 
roles, he has been a mentor, encourager, and trusted guide to countless 
individuals whose lives were transformed by his generosity and wisdom.
  As we honor Dr. Williams' 100th birthday, we give thanks for the 
countless lives he has influenced, including students who have become 
leaders, colleagues who became friends, and communities strengthened by 
his presence. His life reminds us that true greatness is measured not 
simply by achievement, but by the impact one has on others.
  In June, Dr. Williams and his lovely wife Dr. Constance ``Connie'' 
Williams will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. In honor of 
their lifetime of service to students, Harvard recently established the 
``Constance W. and Preston N. Williams Scholarship Fund'' in their 
honor. They are the proud parents of David and Mark Williams.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
congratulating Dr. Preston N. Williams on this historic and joyful 
milestone. May his life continue to inspire and uplift his community 
for many years to come.

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