We are thrilled to share our recent TV interview with Breana Ross from WBALT-TV 11 News where Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. introduces our expansion to Baltimore. In the interview, Judge Williams eloquently discusses the Center's mission to address the most pressing issues in today's society.
BALTIMORE —
A retired federal judge is looking to share knowledge with the next generation through special programs on social justice and violence intervention in Baltimore.
Along Division Street in Upton, the historic P.S. 103 serves a new purpose. Inside what was a school for Black children in the past -- including former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall -- another former judge looks to make an impact in the present.
"I decided that, with west Baltimore being such a legendary and historic place, I want to be here," said Judge Alexander Williams Jr., a retired U.S. District Court judge. "I am excited to bring my social justice program to Baltimore, where we have some initiatives that I think are going to be helpful."
Williams knows all about law and justice, having served as an attorney, a two-term elected state's attorney for Prince George's County and a federal judge nominated by President Bill Clinton. After two decades on the federal bench, the job started to weigh on Williams.
"I had to sentence a number of people," Williams told 11 News. "I didn't like (what) they call the federal sentencing guidelines, which hemmed me in and caused me to sentence a lot of people under the guidelines and mandatory minimum sentences, and I couldn't look at some of the social determinants and other issues that contribute to people getting into trouble."
Williams stepped away from the bench in 2014 and started the Judge Alexander Williams Jr. Center for Education, Justice and Ethics. The center started on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park, but includes an annual boot camp for Baltimore students. The center buses groups of students from Baltimore schools to College Park for a day of discussions and learning about pressing issues like gun violence, health disparities, racism and more.
Now, Williams is laying down roots in Baltimore by opening an office in the city for his center at the newly renovated Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center. Williams and his team plan to launch a juvenile diversion program from the new office.
Watch and read the full interview on the WBAL site below.
