Leon Williams, a political trailblazer and civil rights leader in San Diego County, has passed away at the age of 102. As San Diego’s first Black city council member and later a San Diego County Supervisor, Williams helped pave the way for future leaders in the community.
In 2020, the County Board of Supervisors established the Leon L. Williams San Diego County Human Relations Commission to promote positive human relations, respect, and integrity for all individuals, regardless of gender, religion, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or citizenship status. The following year, Williams received the commission’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also honored by the Broadway Heights Community during a ceremony unveiling busts of civil rights heroes. Sculptures of these civil rights icons can be seen along the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade on Tiffin Avenue.
Born in Oklahoma, Williams moved to San Diego in 1941 and served in the Army Corps of Engineers. In a 2020 interview with San Diego Union-Tribune columnist Diane Bell, he recalled the racism he encountered upon his arrival. When attempting to check into the former Hotel Pickwick in downtown San Diego, he was told, “We don’t serve your kind,” and had to stay at a friend’s house instead.
Racial discrimination continued throughout his career. While serving as a San Diego City Councilman, Williams was once parked near Balboa Park reviewing a council agenda when a police officer approached him with a drawn gun, demanding to know why he was in the neighborhood.
Despite these challenges, Williams remained committed to public service and community development. He played a key role in founding the Southeastern Economic Development Corporation and the Centre City Development Corporation. He also chaired the Metropolitan Transit District for 13 years, advocating for better public transportation.
Williams lived in the same home he purchased in 1947, a milestone that made him the first Black homeowner in his neighborhood, defying a whites-only restriction. In 2017, his contributions were honored when a block of E Street was renamed “Leon Williams Drive.”
His legacy is chronicled in his memoir, Together We Can Do More: The Leon Williams Story, written by Lynne Carrier and published in 2015.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to the Williams family and sincerest gratitude for your community service.
A “Real” Gentle Giant has received his wings. Rest in Paradise Mr. Williams as your living surely was not in vain.