On September 10, 2024, just outside the Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue A train station, an official street unveiling took place to honor the late Dr. Edward Williams who passed away in January 2024.  

The ceremony, led by Queens Borough President, Donovan Richards, was attended by friends, family, colleagues, and leaders who Dr. Williams had worked with throughout his long, impactful career.  

Although the gathering officially commemorated the naming of Dr. Ed Williams Way, the street sign had already been placed at the corner of Village Road and Redfern Avenue since late 2023. Street namings almost always happen for the deceased, but Dr. Edward Williams was able to see the street sign, with his name and legacy, before he passed.  

The Dr. Ed Williams street naming ceremony. Credit: Tyler Taba

A longtime advocate and champion of disaster preparedness, emergency management, climate justice, housing, and healthcare access, Dr. Williams was dedicated to his community. He was the founder and CEO of Regional Ready Rockaway, an organization whose mission was to ensure that residents along the Rockaway peninsula—and beyond—were prepared for the impacts of climate change, particularly around flooding.  

Dr. Williams was far ahead of the curve when it came to preparedness in the face of the climate crisis. Well before Hurricane Sandy, Dr. Williams recognized the flood vulnerability of the Rockaway peninsula. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Dr. Williams was working for Congressman Gregory Meeks. He worked with the Congressmember to provide support, resources, and recovery for the residents of New Orleans. Those experiences during Katrina helped Dr. Williams understand the reality of what could happen if a similar storm made landfall around southeast Queens.  

In addition to founding Regional Ready Rockaway, Dr. Williams also served as the President of the NAACP Far Rockaway chapter, helped advocate for affordable housing in the Rockaways, and served on the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Community Advisory Committee. Dr. Williams fought tirelessly to ensure Rockaway residents had access to quality healthcare, especially since St. John’s is the only full-service acute care hospital on the Rockaway peninsula.  

More than anything, Dr. Williams was a mentor to so many. He supported several young leaders who have now gone on to become Queens Borough President, City Councilmembers, State Assembly Members and Senators, and fearless advocates. Dr. Williams will forever be remembered for the incredible work he did for his community, and his legacy will live through the countless friends he inspired along the way.  

In 2024, Waterfront Alliance launched the inaugural Dr. Edward Williams Waterfront Champion Award, which honors community-based organizations and individuals who have championed community resilience in the face of systemic injustices and the climate crisis. The award celebrates his lasting legacy and profound impact on the region. 

Residents of New York City, whether they worked directly with Dr. Williams or not, are better off today because of the work Dr. Williams championed throughout his life. For years, Dr. Williams advocated for disaster preparedness and emergency management to be taken seriously by government, business, and residents.  

Dr. Williams’ wisdom and dedication are evidence of the value that one person can have on the world.