L. Joy Williams
Political Analyst, Social Justice Activist & Creator of Sunday Civics Podcast
L. Joy Williams
Political Analyst, Social Justice Activist & Creator of Sunday Civics Podcast
Biography
Recognizing the need for civics education and engagement in an accessible format, L. Joy Williams created the hit show and podcast Sunday Civics to teach civics using the current political landscape. Using her deep experience as a political analyst and social activist, Williams teaches her listeners how to engage and advocate for themselves in their communities. The show airs on SiriusXM Urban View and is available on demand on all podcast platforms. It has been nominated three years in a row for an NAACP Image Award.
For Williams, activism—for civic action, commitment to progressive growth for all Americans and community service--was instilled in her at an early age. It stemmed from a deep-rooted family history and commitment to civil rights and social justice. She walks in the steps of those who fought before her and encourages every citizen to become involved in America’s political process.
Williams currently serves as President of the New York State NAACP Conference of Branches, where her leadership helped advance landmark legislation including the New York John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the establishment of a Reparations Commission. She previously served as President of the Brooklyn NAACP, strengthening membership, civic participation, and local advocacy efforts.
In addition, Williams is a highly sought-after political strategist, public speaker and political analyst. With well over a decade of experience in politics and over 15 years in public speaking, L. Joy has made a name for herself as a respected, intelligent voice in modern politics.
Williams is also Chairman Emeritus of Higher Heights for America and now serves as Chair of the Higher Heights PAC. In these roles, L. Joy travels the country training, advising and supporting efforts to build Black women’s political power and leadership potential. Working with Higher Heights, L. Joy has assisted in the campaigns of Nina Turner for Ohio Secretary of State, Stacey Abrams for Governor of Georgia and several congressional campaigns. During the 2014 midterm election, L. Joy managed a voter engagement campaign for Higher Heights in Georgia and Ohio, targeting Black women who had only participated in presidential elections and encouraging them to vote in the federal midterm and state elections. The highly successful campaign increased enthusiasm and turnout by over 10 percentage points.
Through her work as a political consultant and through Higher Heights, She has helped elect numerous candidates, including many Black women.
Since embarking on her career as a political strategist with the 2002 H. Carl McCall's gubernatorial campaign and L. Joy's experience as a trusted political advisor and strategist has made her a go-to team member. She has worked with a number of prominent and notable political figures, including Letitia James, Jumaane Williams and Cynthia Nixon, for whom she served as senior advisor during Nixon’s gubernatorial run in New York.
L. Joy has also held key positions such as campaign manager for former New York State Assembly Member Karim Camara; GOTV Supervisor in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the Kerry/Edwards 2004 Presidential campaign; Special Assistant to former New York City Council Speaker Gifford Miller; Program Assistant at Demos, a nonpartisan public policy and advocacy organization; and Deputy Director of Community Relations for then New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson. She went on to become Thompson's Political Director in his 2009 mayoral campaign.
A dynamic public speaker, L. Joy has presented at numerous conferences and has been on many panels, including the NAACP National Convention and the interactive media conference SXSW. From 2012-2016, she was a staple at Netroots Nation, where she presented while also airing live as a former co-host of This Week In Blackness--one of the first Black-run political podcasts and web series. She was also a featured speaker at the Women’s Freedom Conference, the first all-digital conference organized completely by women of color.
Speaker Videos
#BlackWomenVote | BK Live
Race 2 Represent
NAACP Convention 2018
Democrats Ignoring Black Women Voters | MSNBC
#SundayCivics trailer
Speech Topics
Civics 101: Why Civic Education Matters More Than Ever
Civics does not have to be dry, confusing, or disconnected from real life. In this engaging and interactive keynote or workshop, L. Joy Williams, creator of the hit show and podcast Sunday Civics, makes government accessible, relevant, and actionable. Blending historical context with today’s political landscape, she breaks down how local and national systems actually work and why understanding them is essential to protecting democracy. Williams empowers audiences to see civic knowledge not as abstract theory, but as a practical tool for shaping policies that affect education, healthcare, public safety, and more. Informative, energizing, and solutions-focused, this is the civics lesson we all need now.
Audiences will learn:
- Why strong civic education is foundational to a healthy democracy.
- The basic structures of local and national government and how they function.
- Practical steps to stay informed, vote-ready, and actively engaged in their communities.
Democracy in Action: Unleashing the Power of Political Participation
In a time of rapid policy shifts and nonstop information, understanding how government decisions shape our daily lives has never been more critical. In this dynamic and customizable keynote or workshop, L. Joy Williams breaks down what’s happening at the local, state, and national levels—and why it matters for communities across the country. From education and taxes to voting access and civil rights, Williams provides clear context for navigating today’s political landscape without overwhelm. She challenges audiences to see civic engagement not as a moment, but as an ongoing responsibility that extends far beyond Election Day. Practical, empowering, and action-oriented, this session equips participants with the tools to move from awareness to meaningful political participation.
Audiences will learn:
- How government decisions at every level directly impact their communities and daily lives.
- Practical ways to stay informed without being overwhelmed by the news cycle.
- Concrete steps to engage politically and advocate for change beyond the ballot box.
Advancing Social Justice & Civil Rights: From Advocacy to Action
For L. Joy Williams, social justice and civil rights are not abstract ideals—they are lived commitments rooted in personal experience and sustained advocacy. In this powerful keynote, Williams reflects on her journey as an organizer, strategist, and community leader while examining the current landscape of equity and civil rights in America. She offers clear-eyed insight into the progress made, the persistent challenges ahead, and the responsibility each of us holds in shaping a more just society. Grounded in history but focused on the present moment, this session moves beyond rhetoric to practical engagement. Empowering and action-oriented, Williams challenges audiences to advocate boldly for their communities—and for themselves.
Audiences will learn:
- How historical movements inform today’s social justice and civil rights efforts.
- What challenges and opportunities define the current moment in equity work.
- Practical ways to advocate effectively for meaningful and lasting change.
Harnessing Black Women’s Political Power & Leadership Potential
Black women have long been a decisive force in American democracy, shaping elections, movements, and public policy at every level. In this powerful keynote, L. Joy Williams explores the historic and ongoing impact of Black women’s political leadership—from organizing before the right to vote to influencing today’s electoral outcomes. She examines both the progress made and the gaps that remain in representation across local, state, and national offices. Grounded in history and focused on strategy, Williams provides a roadmap for translating collective power into sustained political leadership. This session equips audiences with the tools to strengthen support systems, build pipelines, and ensure representation reflects the communities it serves.
Audiences will learn:
- The history and evolution of Black women’s political power in the United States.
- Why representation gaps persist despite electoral influence.
- Practical strategies for organizing, supporting, and electing more Black women leaders.
How to Choose the Right Candidate for You
Most people are told to vote, but few are ever taught how to evaluate a candidate. In this engaging and practical keynote, L. Joy Williams breaks down a clear, step-by-step framework for making informed decisions at the ballot box. Rather than focusing on personalities or headlines, Williams guides audiences through how to assess policies, track records, values, and accountability. She empowers participants to move beyond campaign messaging and understand how local, state, and national offices directly impact their daily lives. Informative and interactive, this session equips voters with the confidence and tools to approach every election with clarity and purpose.
Audiences will learn:
- A practical framework for evaluating candidates beyond slogans and soundbites.
- How to research policy positions, voting records, and public accountability.
- How to align civic participation with personal values and community priorities.
Testimonials
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