Kermit Williams

Honest Conversations.
Every Stage.
Every Mic.

Racial Justice · Economic Justice · Civic Power · Community Change

Civil rights leader, social justice advocate, community organizer and longtime public servant — a leading voice in Oakland County for more than 15 years.

Building power. Advancing justice. Ensuring every community has a voice.

Kermit’s Story

For more than 15 years, Kermit has worked to build power, advance racial and economic justice, and make sure communities of color have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their lives. He served more than 12 years on the Pontiac City Council, including as Council President.

Today he serves as Political Director for Oakland Forward, a nonprofit committed to Engaging, Equipping and Empowering residents to collectively revitalize communities of color.

As a civil rights and social justice leader, Kermit connects local issues to the broader fight for racial and economic justice. He helped bring resolution to the Phoenix Center lawsuit saga, championed the return of youth activities to Pontiac after a 10-year hiatus, and advanced the city’s first resolution recognizing racism as a public health crisis.

Meet Kermit
Portrait of Kermit Williams
The communities most affected by public policy should have a seat at the table and a voice in determining their own future.
Kermit Williams

Ways Kermit shows up
for your audience

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Keynote Speaking Racial and economic justice and the unfinished work of the civil rights movement.
Vote & Civic Engagement Voting rights and turning residents into active participants in their democracy.
Youth & Students Empowering young people — he championed bringing youth activities back to Pontiac.
Community Organizing for community investment, workers’ rights and access to opportunity.
Media & Commentary Interviewed by Tavis Smiley and featured by Al Jazeera, The Washington Post and many more TV, radio, print and online outlets across Michigan and the nation.

Latest from Kermit

Watch on YouTube

A Record of Results

Racial Equity
Advanced Pontiac’s first resolution recognizing racism as a public health crisis.
Youth Opportunity
Championed the youth recreation millage, returning youth activities after a 10-year hiatus.
Protecting Taxpayers
Helped resolve the Phoenix Center lawsuit saga, protecting millions in public resources.
Engaging Black Men
Organizing Black men in Pontiac and beyond — work highlighted by The Washington Post.

Bring Kermit to your next event.

Keynotes, panels, classrooms, community forums and media appearances.

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Kermit Has Been Featured On

The Washington Post
Al Jazeera
Tavis Smiley
WXYZ Channel 7
FOX 2 Detroit
The Detroit News
Michigan Public
Michigan Chronicle
Oakland County Times
Common Ground
Newsletter

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