Harlem Dedicates Intersection to Civil Rights Icon Franklin H. Williams

UPDATE: In a powerful tribute, community leaders and judges dedicated an intersection in Harlem to civil rights pioneer Franklin H. Williams on October 22, 2025, marking what would have been his 108th birthday. This significant event took place at the corner of East 136th Street and Fifth Avenue, just outside the Riverton Housing Complex, where Williams lived for much of his life.

The dedication ceremony gathered judges, local politicians, and community advocates to honor Williams, a distinguished civil rights attorney and diplomat. He played a pivotal role in dismantling segregation and advancing justice for marginalized communities. Notably, he served as assistant counsel to Thurgood Marshall and was the NAACP’s West Coast regional director, contributing significantly to landmark decisions in school desegregation and the fight against racial discrimination in juries.

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If you mention a person’s name, and keep their stories alive, then they will be a part of you forever,”

stated Joyce Hartsfield, former executive director of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, during the event. This commission, now a permanent entity named in Williams’ honor, advises judicial leaders on issues impacting communities of color.

Williams’ legacy includes his instrumental role in establishing the Peace Corps and serving as the U.S. ambassador to Ghana. His commitment to racial equity was further demonstrated through his leadership of the New York State Judicial Commission on Minorities from 1987 to 1990, which revealed systemic racial biases in state courts.

The intersection dedication is not just a symbolic gesture; it reflects a commitment to justice and equality, echoing Williams’ lifelong mission. Attendees included Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals Rowan D. Wilson and Associate Justice Troy K. Webber, who co-chair the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission.

The Riverton Housing Complex, constructed in the 1940s, serves as a historical backdrop to this event. It was built in response to the exclusionary policies of the post-World War II era, which denied Black residents access to housing in projects like Stuyvesant Town. Notable figures associated with Riverton include former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and U.S. District Court Judge Constance Baker Motley.

As the community commemorates Franklin H. Williams, this dedication serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of remembering those who fought tirelessly for justice. The intersection stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action for future generations, urging them to continue the fight for equality and inclusion.

Next Steps: The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission will continue its work, focusing on improving diversity within the judiciary and addressing the needs of underrepresented communities. This dedication reinforces the urgency of these efforts, reminding us all of the critical work that lies ahead.