Pathways to Excellence

Raymond “Tweet” Williams Sr. believed that true excellence is not found in one area alone, but in the balance of Academics, Athletics, and Activities. His nearly 100 years of service to students, athletes, and the community demonstrated how each of these pathways works together to develop strong, well-rounded leaders.

 

Education was central to Mr. Williams’s life and career. From earning his own Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees to serving as a teacher, principal, and administrator in Atlanta Public Schools, he embodied the power of scholarship to open doors. He reminded his students that learning was the foundation for every success, and he worked tirelessly to uplift young people through academics. The Foundation continues this commitment by investing in scholarships, mentorship, and resources that honor his dedication to education.

 

Athletics were Mr. Williams’s first love and lifelong platform for leadership. As a multi-sport athlete, championship-winning coach, athletic director, and Hall of Fame honoree, he saw sports as more than competition—they were a proving ground for discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and integrity. His role as the first Athletic Director of Clark Atlanta University and as a pioneering NCAA official further proved his belief that athletics could change lives and shape communities. The Foundation continues to build on this legacy by supporting programs that inspire excellence both on and off the field.

 

Mr. Williams’s impact extended beyond classrooms and playing fields. From the Butler Street YMCA to the Atlanta Bureau of Parks and Recreation and the 1996 Olympic Games, he championed opportunities for young people to discover their talents and serve their communities. He understood that leadership, service, and cultural engagement were as important as grades and athletic victories. The Foundation sustains this vision by fostering opportunities for students to engage in leadership, service projects, and creative activities that enrich their personal growth and strengthen the community.

 

Through Academics, Athletics, and Activities, Mr. Williams created pathways for generations of young people to thrive. The Raymond “Tweet” Williams Foundation continues his life’s mission: to lift others through character, scholarship, and service — building well-rounded leaders who will impact the world for generations to come.