Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on the Passing of Reverend Cecil Williams
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) released the following statement on the passing of Reverend Cecil Williams.
Congresswoman Lee, the Reverend’s wife Janice Mirikitani, and the Reverend at a protest in 2003.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rev. Cecil Williams, a dear friend and incomparable moral and spiritual leader of the Bay area.
“The Reverend changed the lives of millions through radical love, support, inclusivity, and a commitment to service to the most marginalized. When he arrived at GLIDE Memorial Church in the 1960s, the congregation numbered 35 people. Over the last 50 years, he transformed it into a world-renowned congregation and nonprofit.
“Rev. Williams has been a friend and a mentor since I was in college. His decades-long leadership of GLIDE Church made an enormous impact on our community. I remember taking Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm to GLIDE and the excitement and love Rev. Williams displayed to her. His presence in our community will be deeply missed. May he rest in eternal peace and power, reunited with his beloved wife, Janice.”