Black History Month is a time to celebrate the people whose leadership helped usher in opportunity and strengthen public life, right here in Genesee County. One of those trailblazers is the late Charlotte Williams, the first Black woman elected to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.

Williams was first elected in 1965 and made a name for herself right away, ultimately becoming the first Black woman to serve as president of the National Association of Counties.

Williams was a proud graduate of Flint Central High School who, before entering political life, worked as a nurse and a school counselor.

She served the residents of Genesee County for 15 years on the Board of Commissioners, including a tenure as Chair.

In a 2008 MLive-Flint Journal story, Williams summed up her perspective on public service:

“I think I was blessed to have so many things,” she said. “You do owe some public service for taking up the space you have on this Earth, is what my mother would always say. (My service), that’s rent payment.”

Today, we remember the life and legacy of Commissioner Charlotte Williams.