On November 4, 1986, Alexander Williams, Jr. made history when he was elected State's Attorney for Prince George's County, becoming the first Black person elected to the position. His victory followed a landmark primary upset of a six-term incumbent and marked a defining moment in the county's political and civic history.

Williams's campaign reflected the growing political influence of Prince George's County's Black community and a broader movement among voters seeking new leadership, representation, and meaningful change.

Forty years later, the Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. Center for Education, Justice & Ethics commemorates this milestone and honors his enduring contributions as a jurist, public servant, and trailblazer.

The Center's archival collection offers a look into the people, organizing efforts, and community engagement that shaped Williams's historic campaign and subsequent career in public service.

Through photographs, newspaper coverage, and historical documents, the archives preserve important moments in Maryland's legal and political history while providing opportunities for future generations to learn from Judge Williams's leadership and service.

This commemoration comes as the Center prepares to host its 8th Annual Lecture, “Beyond the Classroom: Housing, Technology, and Educational Equity,” on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The event will bring together leaders in law, education, public policy, and social work to examine how housing instability, economic conditions, and technological disparities influence educational opportunity. The evening will also feature a special presentation of the Judge Williams archives, inviting attendees to reflect on his lifetime of service to the State of Maryland.

Learn more about our lecture using the link below:

8th Annual Lecture: Housing, Technology and Educational Equity