Representative Adriano Espaillat & Senator Charles Schumer Introduce Congressional Resolutions Honoring the Life and Legacy of Harlem Icon Lloyd A. Williams

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer introduced resolutions in the House and Senate to recognize the impactful legacy and unparalleled dedication of Lloyd A. Williams to Harlem USA.

"I am proud to join Leader Schumer and co-introduce a congressional resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to honor our dear friend and beloved member of the Harlem community, Lloyd Williams," said Espaillat. "Throughout his lifetime of public service spanning more than 50 years, Lloyd demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering economic empowerment, cultural pride, and social equity in Harlem. He championed Harlem's cultural institutions and heritage, and served as a dedicated mentor, friend, and advisor to many others throughout New York City. We will forever remember his enduring commitment to civil rights, social justice, and community advocacy, and today's recognition ensures his impact and influence will forever be remembered across Harlem USA and beyond."

"Lloyd A. Williams was one of New York's great visionary leaders, and a lifelong advocate for Harlem. He championed small businesses, tourism, investment, and opportunity in Harlem, and co-founded the legendary Harlem Week in 1974," said Senator Schumer. "Mr. Williams was a uniquely effective force for good and for progress, and a trusted leader that I consulted with and whose sage guidance was a benefit to me and so many others. Not enough can be said about Mr. Williams's tireless leadership and lasting legacy in New York City and beyond, and I'm proud to introduce a congressional resolution alongside my friend Rep. Espaillat to honor Mr. Williams and his profound legacy."

Lloyd A. Williams was a lifelong member of the NAACP and the National Action Network (NAN), demonstrating his enduring commitment to civil rights, social justice, and community advocacy. He passed away on August 6, 2025, and is survived by his wife, Valorie Roberson-Williams, his son, and grandson, and two brothers and a sister. Mr. Williams leaves behind a profound legacy that transformed Harlem's economic landscape, cultural identity, and community spirit and his legacy will forever be cherished.

Click here to read the resolution honoring Lloyd Ashburn Williams in its entirety. Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer will introduce a companion resolution in the United States Senate.

Watch Video of Rep. Espaillat's U.S. House Floor Remarks Paying Tribute to Lloyd A. Williams.

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government's vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at [email protected]