Meet Kermit Williams

Building Power in Oakland County

Kermit Williams is a civil rights leader, social justice advocate, community organizer, and longtime public servant whose work has focused on building power, advancing racial and economic justice, and ensuring that communities of color have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their lives.

For more than 15 years, Kermit has been a leading voice in Oakland County, Michigan. He currently serves as Political Director for Oakland Forward, a nonprofit organization committed to Engaging, Equipping and Empowering residents through self-determination to collectively revitalize communities of color.

Twelve Years on the Pontiac City Council

Kermit’s journey in public service includes more than 12 years on the Pontiac City Council, including service as President of the Pontiac City Council. During his tenure, he worked on issues ranging from economic development and youth opportunity to public safety, transportation, racial equity, and the restoration of resources and services for Pontiac residents.

As a civil rights and social justice leader, Kermit has consistently worked to connect local issues to the broader fight for racial and economic justice. His advocacy has included helping bring resolution to the Phoenix Center lawsuit saga, helping protect millions of dollars in taxpayer resources, championing the youth recreation millage and the return of youth activities to Pontiac after a 10-year hiatus, and advancing Pontiac’s first resolution recognizing racism as a public health crisis.

A Voice for Economic and Racial Justice

Through Oakland Forward and his broader civic work, Kermit has advocated for economic justice, voting rights, civic participation, community investment, racial equity, workers’ rights, access to opportunity, and policies that address longstanding economic and racial disparities. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that communities most affected by public policy should have a seat at the table and a voice in determining their own future.

National Media Attention

Kermit’s work has also received national media attention. He has been interviewed by Tavis Smiley and featured by Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, and countless other news outlets for his work in public service, civic engagement, racial justice, and community advocacy. The Washington Post has highlighted Kermit’s work organizing and engaging Black men in Pontiac and surrounding communities.

Faith, Service and Community

Outside of his professional work, Kermit is a man of faith and has served as an elder at New Mount Moriah International Church. His commitment to service extends into the community through his involvement with organizations focused on improving the quality of life for underserved residents, strengthening families, empowering young people, and creating greater opportunities for communities.

Honors and Recognition

Over the years, Kermit has received numerous awards and recognitions, including a Proclamation from the State of Michigan awarded by State Representative Brenda Carter and State Senator Rosemary Bayer; a Proclamation from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners awarded by Commissioner Angela Powell; the Black Women’s Roundtable Leadership and Service Award; the Identify Your Dream Making A Difference Award; the Men of Excellence Award from the Michigan Chronicle; the Tim Dinan Community Service Award; the African American Leadership Rising Star Award; the Great Expectations Award; and the Golden Opportunity Elected Official Award.

The Unfinished Work

Through more than a decade of public service and civil rights advocacy, Kermit Williams has dedicated himself to learning, organizing, serving, and building relationships that strengthen communities. His work reflects a commitment to the unfinished work of the civil rights movement: expanding freedom, creating opportunity, confronting racial and economic inequity, and ensuring that everyday people have the power to shape the future of their communities.

A proud Pontiac resident, Kermit believes that despite our differences, we are all human first. And when we come together, we can move mountains.

Awards

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