Alabama Native Larry Williams: Journey of Triumph, Teaching, and Giving Back

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread, along with 1-800-411PAIN, are proud to present the 2025 Black History Makers of Alabama.

Jarquise Jackson, an enthusiastic Journalism student at Stillman College, crafted this article. It is the result of a joint initiative between Townsquare Media and Stillman College's Department of English, Journalism, and Media Communications, highlighting the skills and drive of the college's budding journalists.

Black History Maker of Alabama – Larry D. Williams

Larry Williams grew up poor in Sweet Water, Alabama, which affected him in many ways. For one thing, he became determined not to let his environment decide his path. After graduating high school, he attended Stillman College, about 70 miles away.

Williams got the nickname “Sweetwater” at Stillman College when people heard where he was from. He tried several times to introduce himself as Larry Williams from Demopolis, but it didn’t work. No matter the occasional teasing, he eventually became proud of his Sweet Water roots.

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He graduated in 1978 and took a teaching job at Marengo High School in Dixons Mills, Alabama while attending the University of Alabama. He later taught math at Stillman for three years. He left to work for Lawson State Community College in Birmingham until he retired in August 2016.

His subsequent return to Stillman as a visiting professor was unexpected. In 2018, he visited Stillman president Cynthia Warrick to donate to the college, and he said she mistakenly thought he was there for a job opportunity. Williams offered to lend a hand and soon found himself back in a Stillman classroom. He said he still enjoys the experience six years later despite the unexpected changes in his plans.

Williams said he didn’t take the job for the money but to give back to his alma mater and inspire others. Born into poverty, he had experienced the struggles and doubts of limited resources. His determination to succeed led him to pay it forward, empowering the next generation to chase their dreams and to also pay it forward.

He also has a successful business background and believes that learning business development is crucial for students, even if it’s not everyone's calling. Every student deserves the chance to learn how to cultivate business ventures. He believes these skills can improve their future lives and prepare them for life after college.

“Knowing Black History is important to knowing family history. “It is a celebration of acknowledgment of where we came from because you have to know where you came from. Everybody in our family has to know Black History, has to know our history.” - Larry Williams

Tracing his heritage back to the era of slavery, Williams' family history includes the names of their forebears. The one thing he wishes he knew is his true African last name.

Williams wants to inspire others to achieve success, regardless of their background. He believes sharing his story can motivate students to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles. For Larry “Sweet Water” Williams, giving back to Stillman is a way to honor the institution that shaped him into who he is today. For him, it feels like he’s come full circle.

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread, along with 1-800-411PAIN, are proud to present the 2025 Black History Makers of Alabama.