Robert F. Williams was a civil rights leader who took a different path than most leaders at the time and advocated for armed self-defense in the face of violence and inequality.
Under threat of death by Klansmen and after trumped-up charges were filed against him, Robert and his family lived in exile for about eight years — first in Cuba, and then China.
Robert’s son, Reverend John Williams, will be showing a documentary based on his father’s book Negroes with Guns, which was written while in Cuba. He will also hold a discussion on his activist father and his experiences in exile as part of the Department of African American Studies Speaker Series.
“Growing up, I was privileged to participate in many of the activities we were involved with in terms of desegregation efforts, demonstrations and things of that sort,” John said. “It was a period of turmoil…and there was a need for people to take a stand against governments not functioning in the best interests of their people.”
Williams said he is excited to share his father’s story and answer questions, because this type of activism is often overlooked when studying the civil rights movement.
The Department of African American Studies hosts the series each year, which invites speakers with diverse experiences to share with students, said Ronald Stephens, associate professor in the Department of African American Studies.
Stephens has known the Williams family for more than 20 years, and after interviewing Robert in 1993, Stephens encouraged Alden Library to purchase Robert’s collection of works on microfilm.
Stephens said he wants students to understand the extent of the Williams’ experiences as well as learn more about the civil rights movement.
“I want students to learn how to think outside the box, and to move beyond the narrow upbringing and closed-minded thinking that are so ingrained in racial reasoning,” he said. “I want them to become productive and functional citizens, and to learn how to appreciate the struggles, challenges and successes of different cultures.”
@thisisjelli
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If You Go
What: Negroes With Guns documentary screening
When: 12 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Alden Library Friends Room, 3rd floor
Admission: Free
What: Rev. John Williams' presentation and Q&A session
When: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Alden Library Friends Room, 3rd floor
Admission: Free
This story originally appeared in print under the headline "Activist's son to visit OU"
