MAYOR GIULIANI SIGNS COUNCIL BILL NO. 1046, NAMING "R. LONNIE WILLIAMS PLACE" IN MANHATTAN IN HONOR OF LIFELONG COUNSELOR TO YOUNG PEOPLE
Remarks by Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani at Public Hearing on Local Laws
The next bill before me, Introductory Number 1046, sponsored by Council Members Powell and Williams, would add, through the posting of an additional sign, the name "R. Lonnie Williams Place" on East 104th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue in Manhattan.
Richard Lonnie Williams was born and educated in Jersey City. Mr. Williams, known as "Lonnie," began his career with Boys Harbor Inc. in 1954 as a counselor. Throughout his lifetime he was dedicated to the welfare of young people living in urban communities. He believed that through education, belief in one's self and with guidance, young people could achieve a meaningful place in our society.
In 1969, Lonnie Williams became the Executive Director of Boys Harbor and, along with its founder, Anthony D. Duke, helped build the organization into a respected community group with 200 employees and an annual budget of $10 million, which served approximately 4,000 boys and girls each year.
Lonnie Williams became a widely recognized authority on the subjects of urban youth and inner-city education. He served as an educational consultant to the nationwide mentoring program, "One to One", and worked with members of the East Harlem community and Corporate Community Schools of America to develop an independent school as an extension of Boys Harbor.
Unexpectedly, Richard Lonnie Williams died on August 15, 1995 at the age of 60. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Hazel, their daughter, April, and two sons, Richard and Steven.
As a tribute to the work and legacy of Richard Lonnie Williams, this legislation names East 104th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, in front of the headquarters of Boys Harbor, Inc. as "R. Lonnie Williams Place".
For the reasons previously stated I will now sign this bill.
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