# Former DLA Director keynote speaker at Disposition Services’ MLK program

/ Published Jan. 27, 2023
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. , 
In January, the nation honors the legacy and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and equality for all people. His powerful message of nonviolence and civil disobedience inspired a generation to stand up for their rights and fight for change.

                Former DLA Director U. S. Army Lt. Gen. (Retired) Darrell K. Williams is this year's keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King, Jr. program.                            Former DLA Director keynote speaker at MLK program                            Former DLA Director U. S. Army Lt. Gen. (Retired) Darrell K. Williams is this year's keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King, Jr. program.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jeff LandenbergerVIRIN: 230123-D-YU183-025This year, Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Office hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Program featuring keynote speaker, former DLA Director and retired U. S. Army Lt. Gen. Darrell K. Williams.

DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon introduced Williams to Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center employees gathered in person and virtually.

“We have two kinds of people who come to Battle Creek – tourists and friends. Tourists come during the summer and friends come during the winter,” Cannon said. “I’d like to welcome Gen. Williams back to Battle Creek in January and honoring us with his presence and his words – a dynamic leader and a true friend.”

Williams, a West Palm Beach, Florida, native, was the agency’s 19th director and first Black person to hold the position in the organization’s 60 years of existence.                Group photo of DLA Disposition Services EEO team and Lt. Gen. (Retired) Darrell K. Williams after the program (left to right): Gail Mancewicz, Angela Tabron, former DLA Director, retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, Arnita Furgason, Stacy Marsala and Renelle Hansen.                            Former DLA Director and EEO team                            Group photo of DLA Disposition Services EEO team and Lt. Gen. (Retired) Darrell K. Williams after the program (left to right): Gail Mancewicz, Angela Tabron, former DLA Director, retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, Arnita Furgason, Stacy Marsala and Renelle Hansen.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jace ArmstrongVIRIN: 230123-D-OS362-048

His tenure began with disaster relief response for hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and ended with the national response to COVID-19. After serving 37 years in the U.S. Army, Williams retired in 2020.

This time, he returned to HDIFC as the president of Hampton University, formerly known as Hampton Institute, a Historically Black College and University or HBCU.

“It feels good to be back in Battle Creek, Michigan, and spending time with, what I believe to be, one of Defense Logistics Agency’s secret weapons,” Williams said. “I think it’s an organization that not too many people know or appreciate enough. So, my time as director, I was constantly amazed at how far above your weight class you were punching. From someone who understands what you bring to the department and the excellence and the patriotism, that you display day in and day out, allow me to simply begin by saying ‘thank you.’”

Williams stressed the importance of a ‘community’ in both his real-life experiences and one of Dr. King’s main themes.

He shared memories of his upbringing, growing up one of nine children in a working-class family, and how his community provided the support he needed during that phase of his life. 

“Merely 55 years after Dr. King’s death this concept of a ‘beloved community’ is as relevant today, as it was 55 years ago,” he said. “We must continue to tell the story and practice the lessons of the civil rights and social justice movements. This holiday, where we pause each year to pay tribute to Dr. King, is as much about reaffirming the message, as it is celebrating the man.” 

Both employees in the room and online were reminded about the progress that has been made, but also the work that still needs to be done to achieve Dr. King’s vision of a just and equitable society.  

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is about a day on, and not a day off,” Williams said. “What can we do to keep that dream alive? Although Martin left us far too soon, at just 39 years of age, he left an indelible mark that still reverberates today.”

The EEO Special Emphasis Program educates and increases cultural awareness to the worldwide workforce by providing training and special events that highlight pivotal individuals, like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.