Celebrating ‘A Century of Black History Commemorations’
Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape American history. In light of this year’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” NYCHANow spoke to Authority staff about a notable Black figure from the past century who has served as a source of inspiration in their life and NYCHA career. Read on to learn about who inspired Senior Director of Resident Engagement Curtis Williams.
Mr. Williams, who grew up at Hammel Houses and still lives in Far Rockaway, joined the NYCHA workforce in 1992 as a Community Service Aide for Community Operations at the Beach 41st Street Community Center, and later at his local Hammel Community Center. In 2006, he began serving as Director of the very community center he attended as a troubled teen.
During his more than three decades as a NYCHA employee, Mr. Williams has worked to improve the quality of life in NYCHA communities through various capacities in resident engagement, while also mentoring and providing positive outlets for youth as a manager for Citywide Programs’ Education Through Sports Unit. Among other efforts, he previously ran the Authority’s former citywide boys and girls basketball league and helped establish the NYCHA/NFL Football Officiating Academy.
As a former at-risk youth who rose through the ranks to become a Senior Director at the Authority, Mr. Williams said he found inspiration in the transformational journey of Malcolm X, a prominent African-American leader during the civil rights movement.
Malcolm X (AP photo)
Can you talk about how Malcolm X’s story has been inspiring for your life and career?
I see similarities in terms of a certain portion of our lives. Like him, I experienced a period where I was seen as an at-risk individual, unsure of my direction and potential, but was able to find a purpose that set me off on the right track — that’s something I can say directly correlates with him. Years later I was able to change that perception of me, and that is something that I feel Malcolm X went through in terms of his transformation.
How do you believe his story has informed how you lead and approach your work at NYCHA?
His life to me represents the transition, the discipline, and having a purpose, which is always how I approach my work here at NYCHA. I think what inspired me the most about him is that he didn’t allow his past to define his future; he made those decisions to change, to grow, and become someone who stood for something bigger than himself. I also have an admiration for being anonymous — I don’t need to be front and center, and I’m always just about the work, having a purpose, and trying to get better. One of my key actionables is to lead by example, and I think that’s been my personal connection to him.
Are there lessons from his life that can be applied to your experience as a former resident and longtime employee at NYCHA?
I take leadership principles from him, in being able to stand for a greater purpose that you believe in for the betterment of your community. I feel extreme gratitude for NYCHA as an institution, because I’ve always felt that NYCHA saved my life. It was thanks to NYCHA community centers that I was able to change my life around. I always felt this was my calling in terms of community work and community engagement.
