Civic Dispatch: Williams’ decades of dedication benefits children in Camden

Jean O’Connor-Snyder Intern Naomi Taylor spent the summer in Camden, Alabama, learning about the impactful work of Alfreda G. Williams. At nearly 80 years old, Williams continues to serve the children of Wilcox County through the Camden Community Youth Development Center, which she helped establish in 1993. Her dedication to education and community service has made a lasting positive difference in countless children's lives.

Photo by Naomi Taylor: Alfreda G. Williams reflects on the history of the Camden Community Youth Development Center.

As her 80th birthday will be celebrated this year, Alfreda G. Williams is happy to look back on a lifetime of serving children in the Camden area, work she continues today.

After teaching children of all ages for 39 years, Williams retired from the Camden School of Art and Technology in 2006. She started her career in Camden at J.E. Hobbs Elementary School in 1968.   

As a dedicated teacher, Williams often extended her day by tutoring in her classroom. Sometimes, she would take her van and pick up children to bring them to the local church for more tutoring. 

Williams recalled her childhood growing up in Prairie, Alabama, as a simpler time when children could run and play outside. “I wanted our kids to experience that,” she said.

Photo by Naomi Taylor: Williams supervises girls playing card games during summer program.

“The Lord gave me a vision. Why not do a community center where all children can come, and you can offer more services?” she recalled.

Williams said, “Everyone embraced it in the community. They thought it was a wonderful idea.” Retired teachers and principals joined with her and then mayoral candidate Henrietta Blackmon to establish the Camden Community Youth Development Center in 1993.

A building housing the center at 237 Claiborne St. opened in 2000. Today, the nonprofit continues to serve children from kindergarten to high school age.

The Center hosted June Fest Fun Day on Saturday, June 1, to kick off a summer of fun with games, food and a water slide. The CCYDC summer program runs for six weeks from Memorial Day to July 5. The goal is to provide a fun and educational environment for the children with academic enrichment, sports, as well as arts and crafts.

Photo by Naomi Taylor: The Camden Community Youth Development Center headquarters at 237 Claiborne St. opened in 2000.

Now 79, Williams never stopped giving back to Wilcox County children as she works with the CCYDC she helped establish.

Kristin Law, the Art Programs and Marketing Director at Black Belt Treasures Cultural Art Center and a Center board member, described Williams as “one of the most giving and compassionate people I’ve ever met.” 

She continued, “When you think of somebody who has a heart for serving, she is one who has definitely chosen a life for serving others. She has made a difference in so many kids' lives.” 

Law said one of the best outcomes from the Center is that children in the program are always fed and receive plenty of hugs to know they are loved. 

Williams said she plans to continue her work with Camden youth as she enjoys “making a positive difference in my community.” She added, “Wherever you are, you can make it a better place just by helping people.”

Naomi Taylor, a junior from Homewood, Alabama, is pursuing her bachelor’s in Global Studies with a minor in Nonprofit and Philanthropy Studies. After graduation, Naomi plans on pursuing an MBA in Cultural Heritage from the University of Alabama Birmingham with plans for a career working in art museums. This summer, Naomi will be spending her time in the community of Camden, where she is excited to immerse herself in the local culture as she works with the Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center. 

Photo by Naomi Taylor: The hallway of the Camden Community Youth Development Center features children’s artwork.