Hyper Localization and Community Redevelopment, Keon Williams

Disparities exist almost everywhere in our global society. In this episode, we take a look at how community redevelopment factors into the future of underserved local neighborhoods, such as Overtown - located in the heart of Miami's urban core.

About Our Guest

Keon Williams is a native of Miami, Florida, born in the heart of one of Florida’s oldest Black communities named Overtown. Mr. Williams is a 2008 graduate of Bethune- Cookman University with a degree in Politic Science. Mr. Williams also holds a certificate in Community Real Estate Development from the University of South Florida. Mr. Williams has over 15 years of relevant experience in Non-profit Management, Business Development, Business Financing, and Issues-based Advocacy. Mr. Williams currently serves as the Assistant Director for Urban Philanthropies, a non-profit dedicated to transforming distressed urban communities in South Florida through economic and community development activities. Mr. Williams latest initiatives include navigating Urban Philanthropies through the successful startup of a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), to provide financial and technical assistance to small and emerging nonprofits in South Florida’s urban communities; The Overtown Business Boot Camp, providing residents with startup capital and technical assistance to assist with creating a new business; and the launching of The Urban, a new 58,000 square foot food market and entrepreneurial venue located in the heart of Overtown that will feature local food trucks, in addition to custom-designed shipping containers for a centralized bar, retailers and art installations. When Mr. Williams is not working, he serves as the Chairman of the Overtown Community Oversight Board, whose purpose is to encourage and support housing, job creation, economic and business development, educational opportunities, historic and cultural preservation, and to provide written recommendations to the City Commission regarding those activities; The Chairman of The Overtown Optimist Club Inc., a non-profit located in Overtown, tasked with overseeing the participation of 500+ youth and 50 staff members in transforming the next generation through education and sports related activities. Mr. Williams has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., since 2008. Mr. Williams credits the motto “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” as the bedrock of his dedication and commitment to advocating for disenfranchised communities. Mr. Williams currently serves on the following community boards: Community Reinvestment Alliance of South Florida, Overtown Children and Youth Coalition, Overtown Community Oversight Board, The Black Collective, Nyah Project, The Equitable and Advocacy Collective, Overtown Optimist Club and Bethune Cookman-University Miami-Dade Chapter.

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