By Chris Tobias | Photo: Copyright IQ Inc

Lloyd A. Williams, a visionary leader and tireless advocate for Harlem’s vibrancy, recently passed away at age 80. As President and CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) and co-founder of the iconic Harlem Week, Williams shaped the cultural and economic identity of Harlem for over five decades. His passing marks the end of an era that he helped define through grit, grace, and a deep-rooted love of community.

A Legacy of Leadership and Community Building

Williams led the GHCC—a nonprofit organization originally established in 1896 as the Harlem Board of Trade—for more than 25 years, guiding its transformation into a cornerstone for business, civic development, and cultural engagement in Upper Manhattan. Under his leadership, the Chamber became not just a business resource, but a powerful advocate for Harlem’s small businesses, artists, and institutions.

“Harlem is one of the largest, most popular of all the tourist and visitor destinations in NYC,” Williams once noted, emphasizing its status among the top four global destinations within New York.

Architect of Harlem Week’s Rise

In 1974, Williams, alongside Voza Rivers, Percy Sutton, and others, co-founded what began as a one-day celebration—Harlem Day—and grew it into the month-long Harlem Week festival, now a staple of the summer season. This transformative event blends music, culture, business, health, and history into a vibrant showcase of Harlem’s spirit.

Today, Harlem Week spans more than 100 events featuring concerts, expos, youth engagement, and health fairs—drawing crowds and economic activity that celebrate Harlem’s global reputation.

During this year’s 51st edition, themed “Celebrate Our Magic,” the festival continued through August 17, as planned—an ode to Williams’s enduring impact and his lifelong love for his community.

A Personal Connection to Harlem

Williams was not merely a civic leader; he was Harlem through and through. A lifelong resident whose family had lived in the neighborhood since 1919, he grew up on 120th Street between Lenox and Seventh Avenues. One of his lesser-known yet remarkable connections: Malcolm X served as his godfather, a relationship that informed his lifelong dedication to civic empowerment and cultural uplift.

Civic Partnerships, Arts, and Regional Impact

Beyond festival planning and commerce, Williams served on numerous boards and institutions, fostering partnerships that reinforced Harlem’s cultural and economic foundations. He was active with the Harlem Arts Alliance, NYC & Company—New York City’s official tourism board—and various development initiatives. His collaborations extended to academic institutions like Columbia University, where his legacy continues to inspire civic-university partnerships.

His deep commitment to the arts was especially evident in his role as a founding board member of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. From the museum’s inception, Williams was a “force of nature” in advocating for its mission—ensuring that Harlem’s jazz heritage would be preserved, celebrated, and shared with the world. He worked tirelessly to secure resources, expand programming, and connect the museum with Harlem Week, creating a vibrant link between culture, history, and community engagement.

Remembered as Harlem’s Bellwether

Colleagues and community leaders consistently described Williams as Harlem’s bellwether. A powerful figure whose gatherings drew collaboration across civic, cultural, and political lines, he demanded excellence—reminding everyone who knew him that commitment to community was nonnegotiable.

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement on the passing of Lloyd A. Williams, longtime president and CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), Co-Founder of Harlem Week, and a titan of community empowerment and cultural celebration:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend and true giant of the Harlem and New York community, Lloyd A. Williams. Mr. Williams served as president and CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of Harlem Week. His leadership, advocacy, and dedication to expanding the cultural and economic empowerment of Harlem and the Black community have left an indelible mark on Harlemites and New York City.”

“As co-founder of Harlem Week, Mr. Williams helped highlight and put Harlem on the map through a global lens to showcase the richness of Black culture, history, and excellence. Through GHCC, he advocated and promoted economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, and equity — values that remain the foundation of vibrant communities across our nation.

“Lloyd served this community as a connector and change agent — fostering relationships to give the people of Harlem purpose and consistent progress. As a proud daughter of Brooklyn and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), I join the Harlem community, the City of New York, and admirers across the country in mourning this profound loss. My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his incredible life and service.

“Well done, thy good and faithful servant. May you rest in power, and may we honor your memory by continuing the work you so passionately led.”

Enduring Influence

Williams’s ability to balance commerce, culture, and community revitalization rendered him an exceptional civic architect. His work helped anchor Harlem’s identity in economic opportunity, cultural pride, and artistic expression.

As Harlem Week, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem continue to thrive, they stand as living legacies of Lloyd A. Williams—a man for whom Harlem wasn’t just home, but heartbeat.

  #BlackExcellence, #CelebrateOurMagic, #CivicLeader, #CommunityBuilder, #CommunityLeader, #CulturalIcon, #CulturalPreservation, #EconomicEmpowerment, #GHCC, #GreaterHarlemChamberOfCommerce, #HarlemArts, #HarlemCulture, #HarlemEntrepreneurship, #HarlemEvents, #HarlemHeritage, #HarlemHistory, #HarlemIcon, #HarlemLegend, #HarlemPride, #HarlemTourism, #HarlemUnity, #HarlemWeek, #LloydAWilliams, #MalcolmXGodson, #NationalJazzMuseum, #NYCLeadership, #NYCTourism, #PercySutton, #RestInPower, #VozaRivers