May 1, 2024
CONTACTS:
Tri Nguyen
415-608-6237, tnguyen@glide.org
Denise Lamott
415-235-6458, denise@deniselamottpr.com
GLIDE Hosts Celebration of Life for The Reverend Cecil Williams on Sunday, May 12 @ 1 p.m.
What: GLIDE will hold a Celebration of the Life for co-founder Reverend Cecil Williams on Sunday, May 12, in the GLIDE Church Sanctuary (330 Ellis Street) and outside on Ellis Street (closed to traffic). The Celebration will honor Cecil Williams’ legacy and unwavering advocacy for the city’s most marginalized, which continues in GLIDE’s ongoing mission to create pathways out of poverty and transform lives. The Celebration will feature music, live performances, and special remarks from GLIDE President & CEO Dr. Gina Fromer, elected officials, community leaders, family members, and friends. Reverend Williams passed away peacefully at home on April 22, surrounded by friends and family.
For over 60 years, Reverend Cecil Williams expanded the limits of activism, inclusion, and diversity as Co-Founder and Minister of Liberation of GLIDE. Through his social justice, community leadership, and service as a minister, Rev. Williams is recognized as a national leader at the forefront of social change and the struggle for civil rights. In his six decades of leadership, Williams has realized his vision of a radically inclusive, just, and loving community at GLIDE, and his work has inspired a new generation of leaders and programs designed to create lasting change in the lives of the most marginalized San Franciscans.
For Fast Facts on Rev. Cecil Williams, please use this FAQ
When: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 1 p.m.; Doors open at noon
Where: GLIDE Church Sanctuary and Overflow seating and live stream on Ellis Street (closed to traffic), 330 Ellis Street, San Francisco | Live Streamed on Facebook Live or YouTube
Who:
About Reverend Cecil Williams, GLIDE Co-Founder and Minister of Liberation
Confirmed speakers and tributes by:
GLIDE President and CEO Dr. Gina Fromer
San Francisco Mayor London Breed
GLIDE Minister Marvin K. White
Current GLIDE Board Chair Kaye Foster
Former GLIDE Executive Director Rita Shimmin
Former GLIDE Board Chair Amy Errett
Dear friends of Rev. Cecil Williams’ Michael Rugen, Reggie Johnson, George Bridges, Thomas Walsh
Member of the Doobie Brothers, Tom Johnston
Please note: Media are welcome to attend the Celebration. A press riser (with audio and video feeds) will be available. Media wishing to cover the event must RSVP to tnguyen@glide.org or 415-608-6237 (text).
Additional Information:
Please visit glide.org/celebratececil for additional information on Reverend Cecil Williams, Tributes, and the Celebration of Life.
Public Statements:
California Governor Gavin Newsom
San Francisco Mayor London Breed
U.S. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
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