Tennessee State University professor Dr. Learotha Williams, Jr. has been recognized by the Tennessee General Assembly as a 2026 Black Male Educator Honoree, celebrating his contributions to education, mentorship and public history across Tennessee.
The honor was presented through a formal proclamation from House Speaker Cameron Sexton and State Rep. Torrey C. Harris. The recognition highlights Williams’ impact in a profession where Black men make up only a small percentage of educators nationwide.
The proclamation praised Williams as “a powerful and essential presence in the classroom,” noting his role as an instructor, mentor and community leader.
“This recognition celebrates your outstanding leadership and dedication,” Harris said. “Your work is truly making a difference, and we are proud to honor you.”
The state honor comes shortly after Freddie O’Connell appointed Williams as Davidson County Historian, making him the first African American to hold the position. O’Connell commended Williams for helping bring Nashville’s history to life through his leadership of the North Nashville Heritage Project and the annual Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture.
Williams serves as a professor of African American and Public History at TSU, where colleagues say his teaching extends beyond the classroom.
“Dr. Williams’ role as an educator does not end at the classroom door,” said Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “He brings history to life and makes it relevant by taking students where the history happened. His recognition by the General Assembly is a testament to his ability to bridge academic rigor and community engagement.”
Williams said history is essential to understanding both individuals and societies.
“History is necessary for us to function as human beings on this planet,” he said. “Without history, you aren’t properly equipped to move forward.”
At TSU, Williams encourages students to study history through the lens of Black experiences while connecting those stories to their own communities and lives.
“Whether we’re discussing Africa or African American history, I want them to understand how those stories relate to Memphis, Chicago, Nashville, or wherever they come from,” he said. “History should have meaning.”
A native of Tallahassee, Williams earned his doctorate from Florida State University. His career has included work as a Historic Sites Specialist for the state of Florida and coordinator of African American Studies at Armstrong Atlanta State University.
He currently serves on Nashville’s Metro Historic Zoning Commission and the board of Friends of Fort Negley, a UNESCO Memory Site.
Much of Williams’ work focuses on reclaiming spaces tied to painful chapters in history while emphasizing resilience and perseverance.
“We remember the suffering, but we also remember the strength and resilience of the people who endured it so we could be here today,” he said.
Reflecting on his appointment as Davidson County Historian, Williams said he saw it as an opportunity to amplify marginalized voices and continue expanding public understanding of history throughout the city.
