Mike Williams hales from Presque Isle, Maine. He has live throughout the United States, the Carolinas, Alaska, and Hawaii. After a number of years traveling with his military family, they finally settled in Champaign, Illinois. Mike is a graduate of Champaign Central High School. After graduating from Champaign Central, Mike attended Eastern Illinois University. After two years at Eastern, Mike joined the United States Air Force, following in his father’s footsteps.

While in the military, he completed his Bachelors of Science Degree in Management and Information Systems. After graduating from Park College in North Kansas City, Missouri, he took employment in a Kansas City computer firm. After a year, Mike began working as a Data Processing Supervisor with State Farm Insurance in Columbia, Missouri.

During Mike’s travels he’s been exposed to many cultures, people, and places; his destiny was to become a humanitarian/civil rights activist. While in Missouri, Mike held many leadership positions with Columbia’s NAACP Branch, and was a recipient of the NAACP’s Roy Wilkins Jr. Award. He was also a member of Columbia’s Human Rights Commission.

Mike’s work for social and civil rights continues.  He was recently re-elected to his sixth term as President of the Bloomington/Normal NAACP Branch and fourth term as NAACP State Conference Treasurer. He recently was the recipient of the Roy Wilkins Jr.  Award. He also sits on many boards for other organizations.

In addition to Mike’s humanitarian efforts, he’s a Systems Manager at State Farm Insurance. Mike is also a family man; his wife Lottie and son Stephen are Mike’s encouragers. Mike’s work requires him to be away from his family more often then he likes; nevertheless his family understands that sacrifices have to be made for the greater cause "CIVIL RIGHTS."   Lastly, he’s a member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church and a recipient of Bloomington/Normal’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Human Relations Award and the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Human and Civil Rights.

Here is Mike’s reflection on the Diversity Project.

" The mission statement of the McLean County Diversity Project is to: "foster a functional and rational acceptance of the differences which reside in us all"…the statement in and of itself, can mean many things to different people. For me, it’s not important to get caught up in the statement. For me, what’s of real value is what one "experiences" and how they will apply those "experiences" in their walk of life.

What I love most about the Project is the programming and the interaction that I have with the Scholars and my peers. When then Mayor Jeff Schwartz, twisted my arm to become a Team Captain I was a little hesitant. I’ve been an empty nester for a number of years, and I’m accustomed to my peace and quiet. So becoming a Team Captain was going to impede on my tranquility.

I decided to take on the challenge and get out of my comfort zone and explore the experiences and possibilities.

Last year the Project went to the Smoky Mountains. What an awesome trip and experience. The mountains were the perfect setting to discuss diversity and to break down barriers. The highlight of the trip was bonding with the Scholars and being able to share my life experiences with them and watching them have what I call an "ah ha moment" when they made a connection. It’s a rewarding experience when you see a person experience a revelation about themselves, others, or humanity in general and right before your very eyes.

One evening and after a full day of programming and activities, a debate was slated around a campfire. The topic of the debate was the significance or insignificance of the election of President Barrack Obama on racism in America.

I was intrigued by the direction of the debate and the conclusions. I had made some assumptions and anticipated several outcomes. Nonetheless, the debate had a life of its own.

The Scholars’ insightfulness, opinions, and engagement in the political process exceeded my expectations. What an outstanding debate and discussion…some of the scholars are so passionate about their values and beliefs that they couldn’t contain themselves from talking-over one another. At some point in the debate racism surfaced, then the debate took another turn towards socio-economics and its impact on American society.

As I sat and watched the Scholars it was interesting to see the banter that went back and forth and some "jaw dropping" statements made. I didn’t jump in and stop the heated debate; I wanted to fuel the conversation, and felt I could best do so by remaining silent. The dialog continued for over an hour.

The Scholars became a microcosm of society and unknowingly formed packs within their teams representing both extremely conservative and very liberal viewpoints. All of this unfolded before my eyes…it was great!
At the end of the debate the Scholars came to a consensus (believe it or not) that they would like President Obama to develop a well defined statement/position on the steps the nation needs to take to eliminate racism.

And while the Scholars felt that every President should present a similar plan, given President Obama’s experience as a "Black Man" in America - the Scholars felt that it would be a missed opportunity if the first Black President didn't do so. Indeed, it was widely felt that such a message/plan from President Obama would resonate with America in the hope that she too, might have her "ah ha moment!"

Folks it doesn’t get much better than this.

I look forward to watching as our donor and support base continues to grow.