IV 
119TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 750 
Recognizing Lloyd Ashburn Williams’ unparalleled dedication to fostering 
economic empowerment, cultural pride, and social equity in Harlem. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 
Mr. ESPAILLAT submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing Lloyd Ashburn Williams’ unparalleled dedication 
to fostering economic empowerment, cultural pride, and 
social equity in Harlem. 
Whereas Lloyd Ashburn Williams was born on January 16, 
1945, in Jamaica and immigrated to New York City at 
the age of 2, where he was raised in Harlem and com-
mitted his life to the advancement and empowerment of 
the Harlem community; 
Whereas Mr. Williams attended Syracuse University and de-
veloped a lifelong passion for civic engagement, economic 
development, and cultural preservation; 
Whereas, in 1988, Mr. Williams was appointed President and 
Chief Executive Officer of The Greater Harlem Chamber 
of Commerce, becoming one of the longest-serving leaders 
of the organization, guiding the Chamber through periods 
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of economic challenges and revitalization over more than 
four decades; 
Whereas, under his visionary leadership, The Greater Harlem 
Chamber of Commerce expanded its mission to promote 
minority-owned businesses, attract investments, foster en-
trepreneurship, and support workforce development ini-
tiatives that improved economic opportunities for Harlem 
residents; 
Whereas, in 1974, Mr. Williams, along with Manhattan Bor-
ough President Percy E. Sutton, Voza Rivers, and others, 
co-founded HARLEM WEEK, which was initially de-
signed as a 1-day event to restore community pride and 
combat negative stereotypes and grew into a multi-week 
cultural festival celebrating Harlem’s history, art, music, 
business, and contributions to society and attracting mil-
lions of attendees annually; 
Whereas he championed key social issues, including afford-
able housing, education reform, health equity, climate 
change awareness, and bridging the digital divide, work-
ing tirelessly to ensure that Harlem’s growth was inclu-
sive and reflective of the needs of its diverse population; 
Whereas Mr. Williams served as Vice Chairman of the Har-
lem Arts Alliance, an Executive Committee Member of 
NYC & Company, Chairman of the President’s Executive 
Advisory Board at The City College of New York, Found-
ing Board Member of the Apollo Theater, and Executive 
Board Member of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, 
strengthening Harlem’s cultural institutions and heritage; 
Whereas he was also a dedicated mentor, advisor, and educa-
tor, serving as a guest lecturer at prestigious institutions 
such as Columbia University, Rutgers University, and 
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Fordham University, sharing his expertise in urban eco-
nomics, tourism, business development, and public policy; 
Whereas Mr. Williams received numerous awards and honors 
recognizing his significant contributions, including an 
Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of 
the West Indies, designation as one of the ‘‘Top 100 
Most Influential New Yorkers’’ by the city and State of 
New York, acknowledgment as one of the ‘‘Top 25 Most 
Influential Black New Yorkers’’ by the New York Am-
sterdam News, and recognition as one of the ‘‘Most In-
fluential Black Professionals’’ by the New York Christian 
Times; 
Whereas he was a lifelong member of the NAACP and the 
National Action Network, demonstrating his enduring 
commitment to civil rights, social justice, and community 
advocacy; 
Whereas Lloyd Ashburn Williams passed away on August 6, 
2025, and is survived by his wife, Valorie Roberson-Wil-
liams, his son and grandson, and two brothers and a sis-
ter; and 
Whereas he leaves behind a profound legacy that transformed 
Harlem’s economic landscape, cultural identity, and com-
munity spirit: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives recog-
nizes Lloyd Ashburn Williams’ unparalleled dedication to 
fostering economic empowerment, cultural pride, and so-
cial equity in Harlem. 
Æ 
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