The impact Calvin Williams Sr., the first black Beaumont City Councilman, had on the city can still be felt today. There are currently three current African-American Beaumont City Council members who have benefited from the Civil Rights pioneer.
William’s did many things while in office but his highest achievement was giving a voice to Beaumont’s black community.
46-years ago Lauren Williams Grandfather made history by being elected as Beaumont’s first black city councilman in 1970.
“For the community his election meant a lot as far as pride was concerned,” Lauren Williams, his granddaughter said. “They felt represented and they had a voice because if you could imagine being in a city where only one group controls city council, it's easy to feel like your voice isn't being heard or your agenda isn't being met.”
Calvin William’s passion for politics began long before he served on the council, teaching government at Beaumont’s Charlton-Pollard High School.
It was the pleas of local activists and the community that got Williams out of the classroom and into City Hall.
Despite being a black man with political ambitions in the south during the Civil Rights Era, Williams said he didn’t face much racial scrutiny during his campaign or while in office.
With the help of his students, the former teacher was elected and once in office he began his mission for equality.
“He passed the street assessment pavement program, which brought pavement to streets throughout Beaumont specifically to black communities that didn't have them before,” Lauren said.
His quest for fairness didn’t stop with roads.
“During his time on the council, one of the biggest things he would have liked to do was appoint more blacks to a position of power and decision makers,” his granddaughter said.
She said her grandfather is pleased with the progress that was made in the city since his time at City Hall.
“As far as progress, were definitely better now than we were then,” Lauren said. “There's always room for growth.”
Calvin Williams Sr. was on the council from 1970 through 1982. He returned to his position several year later, giving him a 14 year political career.
