Page 23 - LifelineInaugural

REP. ALAN WILLIAMS

SPEAKS ON

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE

1,000 MEN RALLY

by Keturah Austin

Rep. Alan Williams knows better than anyone the it is about men coming together and sharing their
changes that need to take place within Florida’s hopes and dreams of a better community. The rally
communities for the state to survive this economic provides a platform for men of all demographics, who
depression. As a native of Leon County, Rep. Williams would have otherwise never spoken to each other, to
has taken on a leadership role in the community. come together and create change through accepting
His vision includes improving life for his constituents responsibility. I’m a father, so I can speak from first-
and serving as a role model and mentor for other hand experience the importance of a man in another
young men. Lifeline magazine had an opportunity to young man’s life. Young men have role models again.
catchup with Rep. Williams for an interview about his Young men can see their future success because their
involvement with the 1000 Men Rally: successors are identifiable and relatable.

Rep. Williams, you have been passionately involved Since its beginning to now, how has this rally impacted
with the “1,000 Men Rally” from its beginning stages. the community?
What sparked your interest in the 1000 Man Rally?
The event has opened the eyes of the business
I became involved with the 1,000 Men Rally through Rev. community to the importance of men being actively
Greg James along with other leaders in the community engaged in their respective communities. This
who believe that we, as men, have a responsibility to engagement should involve men who are consistently
those young men coming behind us. This sense of employed, to the unemployed, men re-entering society,
responsibility for each other is what our communities as well as the justices of the peace. He believes that
need to strive for. This is my third year working with men in general want to do more as well as to be more.
the rally, and I’ve enjoyed connecting leaders in this From this rally, men gain a sense of unity in knowing
movement. This movement is for men to be the leaders that they are not in this fight alone.
that they were predestined to be in the communities
and within their families. Emphasis on the role of men
is not from a chauvinist’s point of view. It is from the
standpoint that men provide protection and stability.
Young men need identifiable role models to become the
leaders of tomorrow. Through this movement, we have
been able to bring leaders from all demographics and
denominations together to discuss and create dialogue
on men reaching back and improving communities and
families.

A native of Leon County, a father, and a leader within
the community, what does the rally mean to you?

The 1,000 Men Rally symbolizes the importance of
all men playing a positive role within the community.
It also assists leaders in identifying the needs of the
community, by discussing matters with men who are
part of that community. The rally is more than an event;

LIFELINE magazine 23