Celebrating Black History Being Made Now: Sharon Williams

Posted February 12, 2025

Another person we would like to highlight for Black History Month is Dr. Sharon E. Williams, Director of Accounts Payable.

Sharon has been with Catholic Charities for over 13 years, but before that, she spent 20 years in the United States Air Force, where she began her procurement and finance background.

When she first started at Catholic Charities, she had a part-time position that eventually led to full-time employment in 2021.

According to Sharon, Black History Month allows community members to showcase the contributions African Americans have made and celebrate their ancestors.

"Those people like my grandmother who grew up in Mobile, Alabama and eventually came to Cleveland, Ohio, who faced some of the prejudices and dislikes of that time," Sharon said.

Sharon also takes the time to celebrate the people who are making a difference in their local communities that others don't know.

"There are plenty of people who are making a difference in black history or will become black history that we don't know," Sharon said.

When people think of Black History Month, most think of the big names, such as Martin Luther King Jr. or Malcolm X, but Sharon wants people to recognize those who make a difference on a smaller scale.

"They're not necessarily celebrities. They're not necessarily a Martin Luther King or Malcolm X, but they're making a difference in their communities," Sharon said.

Sharon honors those who are making a difference in her life, such as her daughter and granddaughter.

"Black history, for me, also is the celebration of my daughter, my granddaughter, who's graduating...from a historically black college," Sharon said.

She even celebrates her successes as she is one of the four percent of African Americans who hold a doctoral degree.

"I am part of four percent of African Americans who obtain a doctoral degree, so it's not just a celebration of history, but it's also celebrating now..." Sharon said.

Black History Month is a time to acknowledge those who are making an impact and discuss how everyone can be more inclusive.

"When we talk about diversity and inclusion... we want to be given the opportunity to show you what we have to offer and what we can do," Sharon said, "...once people learn that and not look at it as a handout, then that will make a difference in the world."