Elisabeth Williams-Omilami has dedicated over three decades to fighting for justice and equality, a legacy that began at a young age when she accompanied her father, renowned civil rights leader Dr. Hosea Williams, on marches and movements across the South. Her remarkable journey includes being the first Black woman in 75 years to spend the night in the Forsyth County jail during the infamous march in January 1981.
As an actress, Elisabeth has seamlessly blended her passion for art with her commitment to social justice, touring in the play "The Life Of A King," which was co-written by her mother, State Representative Juanita T. Williams. Her parents, who passed away in 2000, instilled in her the importance of accountability and responsibility towards others and the environment.
Elisabeth has worked tirelessly behind the scenes with her father's "Hosea Feed The Hungry and Homeless" efforts for over 15 years, and upon his passing in November 2000, she became the organization's CEO, expanding its reach and providing an additional 40,000 dinners yearly through events on M.L.K. Jr.'s Birthday and Easter Sunday. She is currently planning for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners, while also balancing her busy speaking and touring schedule with international relief efforts in the Philippines and Uganda.
A graduate of Hampton University in Theatre, Elisabeth is the founder of one of Atlanta's earliest theatre companies, People's Survival Theater, as well as the "Summer Artscamp," which has provided arts programming for economically challenged youth for over seven years. She has written several plays, including "There Is A River In My Soul," which will tour in February 2002.
Elisabeth is a passionate advocate for the arts, having served as a past member of both the Georgia Council For The Arts and the Fulton County Arts Council. She believes that the arts should be instituted as a permanent part of our society. As an accomplished actress, she can be seen in various productions, including "A Christmas Carol" at the Alliance Theatre and "Left Hand Singing" at the Jewish Theatre of The South.
Elisabeth's impressive filmography includes appearances in the HBO made-for-television movie "Boycott" (2001) and the award-winning series "I'll Fly Away" (1991). She is also a talented playwright, with her work featured in "There Is A River In My Soul."
In her personal life, Elisabeth is married to actor Afemo Omilami, co-director of "Hosea's Feed The Hungry and Homeless," and they have two wonderful children, Awodele, 21, and Juanita, 16. She is an active member of Abundant Life Church in Lithonia, Ga., where her Pastor is Rev. Woodrow Walker, II, and is involved in the Prison, Missions, and Drama Ministries.
