Darryl Williams (1964 -2010)

Darryl Williams was a high school football star, a gifted basketball player and a prolific musician; who mastered the bass guitar, lead guitar and piano. When he was a fifteen-year-old Sophomore at Jamaica Plain High School in Massachusetts, he was struck in the neck by a sniper's bullet in a racially motivated attack. Boston Globe Sportswriter and Associate Editor, Dan Shaughnessy says: "Darryl is the victim of one of the most senseless hate crimes of our time!" Paralyzed from the neck down, a life fraught with extraordinary adversities, Darryl has struggled mightily to restructure his life. While recovering in the hospital, he used the services of a tutor to continue his high school education; eventually graduating from the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton, Massachusetts.

Afterwards, Darryl went on to study at two of Massachusetts' illustrious Institutes for higher learning: UMASS Boston and Roxbury Community College. In February 1987, Darryl began his quest as a motivational speaker and facilitator. With a series of intriguing speeches to rave reviews in Honolulu, Hawaii, Darryl knew he had embarked on a venture much needed in society: Dissemination of forgiveness and compassion.

After receiving a special presidential scholarship to Northeastern University in April 1992, Darryl majored in Human Resources Management. In 1994, he was asked to join the nationally recognized human rights organization, Project Teamwork. He brought an eclectic background and unique credentials into the arena of outreach specialists for which Boston Herald Columnist, Joe Fitzgerald asserts: "Darryl has paid a high price for his credentials!" As a member of Project Teamwork, Darryl endured intensive training as a facilitator and sharpened his motivational speaking skills. Consequently, he earned professional speaker's certification from Northeastern University prior to receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from the same Institute.

Darryl has spoken to thousands of teenage students Nationwide on the following issues: Denouncing Racism, Diversity Awareness, Dispelling Stereotypes, Violence Prevention, School Success, Personal Empowerment and Conflict Resolution. Darryl's years of tireless and selfless public service has led to the naming of The Center for the Study of Sport in Society's prestigious award, The Darryl Williams Award. In November 1995, Darryl spoke to over ten thousand high school students at Team Harmony II, (a human rights event) at the Fleet Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Darryl has been a two-time keynote speaker at the Sports Museum of New England. Keynote speaker for the Social Awareness Banquet held at Boston University. Keynote speaker for the National Consortium for Academics and Sport Conference on Hyannis, Massachusetts. Keynote speaker for the United States Postal Service's "Diversity in the Workplace" Conference. And, keynote speaker for City Year's 2001 graduation held at John Hancock Hall, Boston, Massachusetts.

The Greatest of all time, Mr. Muhammad Ali himself, said to Darryl: "Darryl, you're the second Greatest!" Chair of DeVos Sports Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida, Dr. Richard E. Lapchick: "Darryl reminds me of a young Nelson Mandela - he teaches us to love not hate!" Pope John Paul II: "I pray for the recovery of young Darryl Williams." Former President Bill Clinton: "You are an inspiration. Let your voice be heard." Heroic mention in the Congressional Book of Records, Washington D.C.