Byron Williams
Writer, Theologian and Activist

As a writer, theologian, and activist, Byron Williams fuses theology with public policy to bring a fresh social justice perspective to the public arena. Byron serves as pastor of the Resurrection Community Church in Oakland, CA.

For nearly five years, Byron wrote a syndicated social justice column entitled, “In Defense of Faith,” which ran throughout the state of California primarily

in African American publications. In addition, Byron’s articles have appeared in the Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Examiner, and San Francisco Chronicle.

Byron has amassed a political resume that includes raising millions for one the largest political action committees in California, working for elected officials at the state and local levels, as well as directing a voter registration campaign that registered over 40,000 African Americans.

Byron has stood in support of worker’s rights to organize, fought against the systematic dehumanization of gay, lesbian, and transgender people in the church, and has spoken out against the senseless violence that has plagued so many urban communities.

Byron has spoken throughout the country. In addition, he has appeared on numerous television and radio news programs and is well versed on the issues of the day.

Byron holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Arts degree emphasizing a theology of liberation from the Pacific School of Religion of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. He also speaks French and reads Greek.

Byron has served on numerous community boards and commissions including: African Americans for Telecommunication Equity, Oakland East Bay Symphony, and co-founder of the Isaiah Project a coalition of African Americans and Jews committed to social justice.

Byron lives in Oakland, CA with his son Malik Isaiah Williams, age 8.