Who mentors to aspiring leaders, encourage women to engage in non-partisan
leadership activities in the educational, economic, social and political arenas,
and encouraging women to vote. I’m talking about the courageous Dr. E. Faye
Williams. She is only the third national chair of The National Congress of Black
Women which was founded in 1984. Dr. E. Fay Williams succeeds the late Hon. C.
Delores Tucker and the late Hon. Shirley Chisholm who was the first to serve as
a national chair until 1992.Another goal Dr. E.
Faye Williams has is to educate women so that they can gain leadership
opportunities to participate in the economic and political processes. Also to
increase African women with leadership positions in business, non-profit sector,
and elective offices. Increasing the number of African American women in the
participation
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of voter registration is
another important goal for The National Congress of Black
Women. Dr. E. Faye Williams is such a fascinating
woman. Her accomplishments are astonishing. She is a
Renowned Attorney, Captivating National Speaker,
Internationally Acclaimed Peace Activist, Radio Talk Show
Host, Author, Sole owner of all of Dr. George Washington
Carver’s formulas, President and CEO of National Health
Options. Her accomplishments are beyond impressive. Not to
mention she was the first African American to run a
political campaign for US Congress in Louisiana. I guess
you’re wondering were did this drive come from. This gifted
woman had drive and motivation even as a little girl. Dr. E.
Faye Williams came from a large family of 9 children and one
of the first who wanted to attend college. She already had
in her heart the determination to take her education to the
highest level possible. Williams, wanted to go beyond a
Bachelor of Science degree. She earned a Law Degree, PHD,
and a Doctorate of Ministry. I knew the minute I started
talking to her she was leading me down a verbal journey.
This was a journey that we could all learn from. |
Dr. E. Faye Williams is incredible.
She brought me to laughter when she told me the story about the
Million Man March. Dr. E. Faye Williams said, “Louis Farrakhan said,
this is a day when women and children can stay at home enjoy the
day.” “Yes I love honor and respect you, but I don’t have a husband
or children I want to help, said Williams.” She also started to
think, “If this is about improving men this would be a great
opportunity.” You see this leader is a true activist. Dr. E. Faye
Williams believes education is a main factor to have a better start
in life. “Sometimes education can make a difference in the pay check
you receive, said Williams.” Williams believed it was her
responsibility to help others.
Williams has so many important
passions in life. A couple of her passions would be writing and
elderly people. The passion for helping elderly people may be one of
the reasons she was drawn to Dr. Carver’s products. Little did she
know one day she would become sole owner of all of Dr. George
Washington Carver’s formulas in 1999. Dr. Carver has passed on but
Williams wanted to continue his mission and that was not just about
the product but the empowerment of African Americans or any minority
group. As I interviewed Dr. E. Faye Williams I realized this
captivating woman was a treasure. She told me about another career
adventure when she was involved with the Foreign Affairs and was
able to travel. This came about due to a very influential person by
the name of Mervyn Dymally in California. Dymally was an African
American educatory and politician. He also served on the House
Foreign Affairs Committee. Dr. E. Faye Williams said, “the different
people I met was a wonderful experience and when 911 happened I had
tears, some of the people getting hurt were my friends.” She went on
to say, “I could never be for war.” This statement really hit home
for me because we are all humans with like goals. We all have
families and friends that we want to be safe no matter where they
may live.
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I realized I was conversing with a true leader. A leader
that felt it was her responsibility to share knowledge. She
wants to share with young people about her struggles not A &
Z but the steps between. Dr. E. Faye Williams wants young
people to be taught principles. She used one of her
influential people like legendary football Coach Eddie
Robinson of Grambling as an example. Coach Robinson |
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was head coach at the historically black state university.
Williams said, “you never hear about his players getting
into trouble off the field, Coach Robinson taught his team
about principles and he would say to his team “we all have a
responsibility to move the ball and keep your eye on the
price.” Williams said, Robinson would also say, “look out
for the group not just yourself.” |
Center Stage:
Who are the most influential people in your life?
Williams: My mother, Coach
Eddie Robinson, and Mervyn Dymally. My mother supported my 9
siblings if they wanted to go to college. She was very encouraging
and motivating. Coach Robinson makes me think about the leadership
with his team at Grambling, setting principles for the young men.
Robinson would say, “we may have to go through some struggles before
we gain victory.” You never heard about the Grambling team getting
in trouble outside of the field. Mr. Dymally also played a pivotal
part in my life changing events through my worldly travels.
Center Stage:
When you’re speaking to people what are some important facts you
would like to get across?
Williams: Well, you never
know who you are inspiring. What is really important is to not
withhold information. Tell people what didn’t work along the way as
well as what did work.
Center Stage:
You have a great philosophy on human interaction could you elaborate
on it?
Williams: Yes, there are
very few people I dislike. I really can’t hate or dislike someone.
If you just listen to a people you may find out that their
opinions are not that different at all. This also gives the
opportunity for a person to open up. I prefer to listen then head
each other off in debates.
Center Stage:
How did you get to the level you are now?
Williams: By keeping my eye
on my goals. I kept working towards my dreams and never giving up.
If you read Bios of successful people you’ll find that some had less
then you or I when they started off. I tell young people about my
struggles.
Center Stage:
Tell us about your passion with Dr. George Washington Carver? The
original formula was used for aches and pains. Also, in the 1920’s
Dr. Carver used the oil on victims of Polio is that right?
William: Yes, and I just
thought his product was great from the beginning. I wanted to be
able to carry out the mission of Carver. First the thoughts of being
a distributor, next a business partner, but also had the opportunity
to become sole owner. I’ve heard testimonies from people. I’ve
always believed in is product.
Center Stage:
How can a person order this product?
Williams: If you go to
E. Faye
Williams.com you can find product information. The oil is said
to be excellent for bath oil, arthritis and healing.
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Dr. E. Faye Williams is a
woman that gave me inspiration and motivation to continue
pursing my dreams. This is something that comes naturally
for this brilliant woman. Also, I started to connect the
dots Dr. E. Faye Williams had bonded with leaders that
possessed the same leadership traits that she has. She
definitely touched my heart and I hope after reading this
article your heart was also touched and that you may get
encouragement and gain motivation from this article to never
give up.
Donza Meagley, Managing Editor, Center Stage Magazine |
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