Award-Winning Author Brings History to Life

By Luanna K. Leisure, Santa Clara County Branch President

“A Walk Through History in the Heart of Berkeley’s Black Community” is based on novels written by Santa Clara Branch member Tina Jones Williams and her experiences growing up on Julia Street. Since 2017, her public service walks have taken place biannually to shine a light on a time, place, and people who should not be forgotten. These walks, which begin and end on Julia Street, highlight many people who are in her heart and many places mentioned in her books.

Celebrating the history of the Black community in South Berkley, California, is a joy for Williams, who is branch vice president. She knows her history, as her parents were a part of the Great Migration to settle outside of the South in a move to South Berkeley.

On her neighborhood walks, Williams brings to life the history, remembrances of families, their working-class community, and the bond they shared in a place where she grew up with her siblings and attended school. She recalls what it was like to be bused out of the area to be a part of the first desegregated junior high school in Berkeley.

Williams is honored to be included in a mural in her childhood neighborhood. The mural depicts the history of South Berkeley from the Ohlone Indians through today.

She has written a total of nine books so far, four pertaining to Julia Street: “All’s Well That Ends,” “Sara’s Song,” “Dance or Get Out,” and “Perfect Pitch.” Her other books pay homage to being Black and American, all available at amazon.com.