[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31330]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF ISIAH ``IKE'' JESSE WILLIAMS 
                                  III

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2009

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the life and achievements of my lifelong friend and widely respected 
community leader, Isiah ``Ike'' Jesse Williams III, who died on 
November 25, 2009, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 78. Ike had 
been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 6 years prior to his death, and 
my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Marilyn Wilkerson-Williams; 
daughter, Helen Rogers; sons, Rodney Williams, Ira Marche, Isiah 
Williams IV, and Mark Benson; and the rest of his family and friends at 
this most difficult time. Ike was a community activist, scholar, 
lawyer, publisher, journalist, historian, and union organizer. Above 
all, however, he was a true inspiration to everyone who knew him.
  Ike was born to Helen and Isiah Williams of Jacksonville on September 
27, 1931. He attended Fessenden Academy, a small private school in 
Ocala, Florida, and graduated in 1949. A truly brilliant man, Ike went 
on to earn numerous degrees, including an associate's degree from 
Edward Waters College, a bachelor's Degree from Florida Memorial 
College, a Juris Doctor from Florida A & M University, and a master's 
degree from Brooklyn Law School in New York. He also studied at the New 
School for Social Research and Xavier Institute of Labor Relation in 
New York City. During his studies, Ike pledged Psi Beta Sigma, of which 
he was a dedicated member for more than 50 years.
  A man of courage and excellence, Ike served with distinction in the 
U.S. Army and was a proud veteran of the Korean war. After his service, 
he moved to New York and successfully practiced law for 10 years. It 
was during those historic years of the civil rights movement that Ike 
was an attorney for the Black Panthers and became friends with powerful 
leaders such as Adam Clayton Powell and Malcolm X.
  Back in his home State of Florida, Ike continued his fight for civil 
equality in the community. He was a true champion of the people and 
came to be known as a respected community leader in Jacksonville 
through the many important organizations where he held positions. Ike 
was a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement 
of Colored People (NAACP), a Mason, a founding member of the National 
Business League, and the founder of the Jacksonville Advocate, which 
was published weekly for 30 years. Furthermore, Ike also served as 
Publisher Emeritus of the People's Advocate. Both newspapers featured 
articles that highlighted accomplishments in the African American 
community. An early member of the Jacksonville Historic Landmarks 
Commission, Ike was a fitting keeper for the preservation of the 
history of the African American community and organized the Joseph E. 
Lee Library-Museum. In addition, he also helped form the Brotherhood of 
Black Firefighters.
  Ike's hard work and dedication on behalf of all those who have been 
denied a voice earned him many awards. In 2005, he was awarded with the 
Onyx Award for Communications, a state honor that he dearly cherished. 
Most recently, he received the National Whitney M. Young Lifetime 
Achievement award presented by the Jacksonville Urban League.
  Madam Speaker, Ike's legacy will live on for generations to come in 
the lives he has touched, and continues to touch. He was my dear friend 
and I am proud and fortunate to have known him.

                          ____________________