FEDERALcongressional record

Congressional Tribute to Dr. Preston N. Williams

Original title: TRIBUTE TO DR. PRESTON N. WILLIAMS

May 14, 2026

education civil rights religion academic history tribute

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The Frame

What this does

This document serves as an official public record of the life and academic achievements of Dr. Preston N. Williams, noting the establishment of a scholarship fund in his and his wife's name at Harvard University.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Harvard University

The university established a new scholarship fund in the names of Dr. Preston N. Williams and Dr. Constance Williams.

Dr. Preston N. Williams

The subject of a formal Congressional tribute and a namesake for a new scholarship fund.

What changed

Last recorded activity May 14, 2026.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

Representative James E. Clyburn formally recognized Dr. Preston N. Williams in the Congressional Record to celebrate his 100th birthday. The tribute highlights Dr. Williams' career as an educator, his historic roles at Harvard Divinity School, and his contributions to Christian ethics and social justice.

Key Facts

Dr. Preston N. Williams reached his 100th birthday on May 14, 2026.
Dr. Williams was the first tenured African American faculty member at Harvard Divinity School.
Dr. Williams served as the first African American Acting Dean of Harvard Divinity School.
Dr. Williams served as the founding director of Harvard's W.E.B. Du Bois Institute.
Dr. Williams served as president of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Christian Ethics.
Harvard University established the 'Constance W. and Preston N. Williams Scholarship Fund' in honor of the couple.
Dr. Preston N. Williams and Dr. Constance Williams are scheduled to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in June 2026.
Dr. Williams was born in Alcolu, South Carolina.

Why It Matters

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Dr. Preston N. Williams?

Dr. Williams is a scholar of Christian ethics and African American religion who made history as the first African American faculty member and Acting Dean at Harvard Divinity School.

What is the Constance W. and Preston N. Williams Scholarship Fund?

It is a scholarship fund recently established by Harvard University to honor the lifetime of service provided by Dr. Preston N. Williams and his wife, Dr. Constance Williams.

News Coverage

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Connected Entities

personConstance Williams“Wife of Dr. Preston N. Williams.”Map →

otherConstance W. and Preston N. Williams Scholarship Fund“Scholarship fund established at Harvard in honor of the couple.”Map →

personJames E. Clyburn“U.S. Representative from South Carolina who introduced the tribute.”Map →

organizationHarvard University“Academic institution where Dr. Williams served as faculty and dean.”Map →

personPreston N. Williams“Subject of the tribute, celebrating his 100th birthday.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

www.govinfo.gov

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