Wali Williams

In wars for peace, there are sometimes casualties. Wali Williams became a casualty a few weeks ago. He became a victim of senseless community violence. Recently, he was killed on Fairmount Street in Newark, NJ. Wali’s murder happened just as the world experienced the new year of 2025. But he was not an ordinary man. Wali was a founding member of One Hood-an anti-violence intervention organization dedicated to creating peace in the streets. His murder has left a serious void of human power that helped stop the violence in Newark.

Aside from Wali’s commitment to the struggle for peace, he was a good human being.

Many people that knew him spoke highly of his character.

Here is what they had to say about Wali Williams:

“He is good friend.” Bleed said, “he loved cars. I crashed his jeep and he wasn't even mad. He was more worried about me. He was a stand up man. He had a heart to help other people get into productive positions. We was good friends for over 30 years. He was always down for the people. Zero tolerance for BS. He held his family down. He wasn't a party dude, but he would show up for support. He didn't like bullies, so he would show why being a bully wasn't ok.”

Uwee, another close friend said, “he got me a red Camry. He was known for doing everything for everyone, kids, people, and the drug addicted. The entire 19th will be hurting. He would always be there whenever you call him. I arrived to the scene for HRI and never knew it was him. He was a genuine brother. Definitely a friend, not many people can be called a friend.”

Germ had a lot to say about his close friend Wali. Germ said, “I knew him for a long time. I knew him for over twenty years. It was hard for me to realize my friend is really gone. It's 4 am and I'm still reflecting on so many memories about my Wali. When I first met him, he was an individual that affected and influenced many. Today, he still affects and has influence over many. Wali is a change maker! The real definition of one who matters. Speaking about him makes me feel like the first time he spoke in public at a High Risk Intervention meeting we attended where he was asked to describe himself. He chose the poem ‘Still I rise.’ I have countless memories, not one bad. My friend was my world. I looked to him my whole life. I looked up to Wali. I didn't realize I called him for everything. If anyone knew Wali, he was more than a handyman. He was your go to man for anything. I'm thinking about it, he was a human encyclopedia. I just wanna say to Wali, I love you Brodie and I'm one you affected since the time we met and I'll forever hold you in my heart.”

Ruben said, “he was a good brother. He got me a scooter. He treated me like a brother for the last 3 or 4 years. He showed me a lot of love.

Akadoo said, “Wali was a solid dude, he had no problem helping if he could. He knew what it took to put a smile on his family’s face. If he rocked with you, he rocked with you. I'ma miss that dude.

Alif said, “I knew him. He was family. He told me to take his car. The love that he gave, he would give you the shirt off his back even if it was cold. His love was an action not a verb.

Keesha Eure, Newark’s Deputy Mayor on Violence Prevention, had this to say about Wali. She said, “our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our One Hood member Wali Williams. He was a shining light in our lives and in our community. His kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication to making the community a better place touched everyone he met and helped. This senseless tragedy leaves us heartbroken, but we vow to honor his legacy by continuing his work and spreading the love he so freely gave. Wali may be gone, but HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. His spirit will live on in all of us."

The final word on Wali was given by respected community activist and devout Muslim Dawn Haynes. She is a member of the One Hood organization and a Co-Vice President of the Newark Board of Education. She said, “finding empathy in men these days is hard. But Wali had so much empathy it was enough to share with a room full of men who needed it. He was an example to anyone wise enough to pay attention. Losing him to gun violence was a hit, not just for me as a community sister; but as a friend and a person who believes in Allah (the Arabic word for God) and the work we were given to do.”

In conclusion, Ras J. Baraka, the Mayor of Newark, NJ, has reduced crime and violence dramatically in the city by creating an ecosystem of anti-violence organizations and community activists and social workers under the umbrella of the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery. The One Hood organization is apart of the Mayor’s massive anti-violence department. They have done a highly effective job of helping the Mayor reduce violence in Newark. Although Wali was recently killed by senseless community violence, they are resolute in their commitment to stopping the violence. They left me with the impression that One Hood will not let the murder of Wali Williams go in vain. They have declared that their movement will continue the struggle onward to create unity and peace in Newark, NJ, especially in Black and Brown neighborhoods.

As Salaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh (Arabic for May the peace, mercy, blessings of God be upon you)! Hotep (an ancient African Kemetic / Egyptian word for Peace)! P.E.A.C.E. (Proper Education Always Corrects Errors)!

-Bashir Muhammad Ptah Akinyele is a community activist, a member of the Muslim community in New Jersey, and a member of ASCAC (the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations). He is also a history and Africana Studies (Black Studies ) teacher at Weequahic High School in Newark, NJ.