Daoud-David Williams, a lifelong Jersey City resident, cultural leader, and advocate for the arts, passed away at the age of 81. A revered figure in the community, Williams dedicated his life to enriching Jersey City’s cultural landscape, and ensuring that music, education, and the arts were accessible to all, say those who knew him.
Born on July 23, 1943, Williams grew up in Jersey City’s public school system before attending Jersey City State College and Saint Peter’s College. After completing his education, he served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963 and remained an active member of VFW Post. He was deeply engaged in social activism, particularly through his leadership at the Miller Branch of the Jersey City Free Public Library.
In 1977, Williams co-founded the Community Awareness Series as a collaboration between the Miller Branch Library and the Spirit of Life Ensemble, the jazz collective he also founded. CAS became a cornerstone of Jersey City’s arts and culture scene, organizing thousands of performances, workshops, and educational programs.
Under his stewardship, CAS hosted the city’s longest-running Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., its longest-running Kwanzaa celebration, and numerous events for Jazz Appreciation, Women’s History Month, African American History, and world cultures.
Williams played a pivotal role in saving the Miller Branch Library from demolition, spearheading efforts to establish a public parking lot for the library and transforming the Miller Branch Library Auditorium into a premier venue for the performing arts. In recognition of his decades of dedication, the auditorium was recently renamed in his honor, ensuring his legacy would endure.
Williams believed deeply in the power of culture to unite communities. “He could have moved anywhere, but he wanted to enrich the community in which he lived,” said longtime friend and board member of the Museum of Jersey City History Jerome Choice, “He fought to save a lot of the institutions, he fought to bring the arts to the community. He enriched the cultural life of Jersey City. That is his legacy.”
Williams’ influence extended beyond Jersey City. His passion for jazz and world music took him across the globe, and he mentored generations of musicians and artists. “I named him Swoon because he swooned us right into almost royalty everywhere we went,” said Shelton VFW Post Commander Tony Goodson who also played in the Spirit of Life Ensemble, recalling their travels and performances together.
Friends and colleagues, including The Friends of Liberty State Park President, Sam Pesin, remembered Williams as an icon whose contributions to the city’s cultural fabric will never be forgotten. “Daoud’s inspiring lifetime activism made a tremendous difference as a wise, tenacious, truth-telling, and heroic warrior for people’s quality of life, justice, and a non-privatized Liberty Park,” Pesin said.
“He was a progressive long before his time, an icon whose presence will be deeply missed. His family will continue to carry on his remarkable legacy,” added County Commissioner Bill O’Dea.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John C. Williams and Elizabeth Williams, as well as his brother John Williams, Jr. and sister Olivia Williams and two daughters Nicole Carter and Tariya Williams. He is survived by his brother Carter Williams and sister Paulette Williams. He leaves behind his children, Kimberly Williams-Sarara and Sam Williams
A memorial service will be announced in the coming days.