Hundreds gathered on Aug. 23, circling the corner of 129th and Adam Clayton Powell to enter Salem United Methodist Church, to celebrate the life and legacy of Lloyd Williams. Ranging from family members, top elected officials, civil rights leaders, celebrities, co-workers, to regular community members, they all came together to share the impact he had in their lives, in Harlem and New York for more than 50 years.

Williams died from prostate cancer on Aug. 6. He is survived by his wife, Valorie Williams, his son Ade, along with his wife and grandson, Lenox.

Rev. Jacques DeGraff, a friend of Williams for more than 50 years and collaborator in the creation of what came to be known as Harlem Week, led a call and response to the packed pews at Salem of “Thank you, Lloyd Williams” and “We got

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