The Apollo Mourns the Loss of Lloyd A. Williams, President & CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce
The Apollo mourns the passing of Lloyd A. Williams, a pillar in Harlem’s civic and cultural life, whose decades of leadership helped shape the very fabric of our community. As President & CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and co-founder and Chairman of Harlem Week, Mr. Williams devoted his life to advancing Harlem's legacy as a global center of Black excellence, commerce, and culture.
For decades, Mr. Williams championed Harlem’s small businesses, artists, institutions, and residents—uplifting the community with his boundless energy and unwavering commitment. A cherished friend to The Apollo, he was instrumental in deepening the ties between our institution and the broader Harlem community.
Lloyd Williams was not only a dedicated friend to The Apollo—he was a part of its foundation. He served on our Board of Directors from 1993 through 2005, a period of transformational change and growth for the institution. He lent his voice and vision to the efforts that helped restore The Apollo as a beacon of Black culture and artistic excellence. His commitment remained constant throughout the decades.
Michelle Ebanks, Apollo President & CEO, shared:
"Lloyd Williams was a force—an extraordinary advocate whose love for Harlem radiated through everything he touched. His tireless work to elevate our community, his belief in the power of culture, and his deep connection to The Apollo have left an indelible mark. He was not only a leader, but a friend, mentor, and visionary. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and the countless lives he impacted. His legacy will live on through the institutions he strengthened and the community he so passionately served."
Lloyd A. Williams embodied the spirit of community leadership. His contributions may not always have been visible, but they were vital. We will honor him always.
About The Apollo
The Apollo is an American cultural treasure. It is a vibrant non-profit organization rooted in the Harlem community that engages people from around New York, the nation, and the world. Since 1934, The Apollo has celebrated, created, and presented work that centers Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora. It has also been a catalyst for social and civic advocacy. Today, The Apollo is the largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity.
The Apollo is a commissioner and presenter; catalyst for new artists, audiences, and creative workforce; and partner in the projection of the African American narrative and its role in the development of American and global culture.
The Apollo envisions a new American canon centered on contributions to the performing arts by artists of the African diaspora, in America and beyond.
