Community leaders took to social media to mourn the death of Leon Williams, a life-long civic leader and the first Black man to be elected to both the San Diego City Council and county Board of Supervisors.
Williams died Saturday night from cardiac arrest, according to his family. He was 102 years old.
“Leon Williams was more than a trailblazer – he was the heartbeat of San Diego, embodying the very spirit of our community,” said San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe in a post on X.
“Even as we mourn his passing, we carry forward his example of resilience and hope, a guiding light in our ongoing pursuit of justice and unity.”
Steppe once represented District 4, the same district Williams was elected to serve in 1969, though as KPBS reported, in his era, winning a seat required votes from the entire city.
Williams spent his long political career as a pioneer creating opportunities for people in his community. It consisted of many “firsts.”
Leon Williams was more than a trailblazer—he was the heartbeat of San Diego, embodying the very spirit of our community. Even as we mourn his passing, we carry forward his example of resilience and hope, a guiding light in our ongoing pursuit of justice and unity. pic.twitter.com/RqaVC76tP5
— Monica4SanDiego (@Monica4SanDiego) March 5, 2025He became San Diego’s first Black county supervisor in 1982 and was the first Black homeowner in his neighborhood in the late 1940s, where he lived for over 70 years.
A number of San Diego officials, from Congress down to the local level, have expressed their condolences in statements on social media.
“His decades of public service made San Diego stronger and more inclusive,” Mayor Todd Gloria, said in a post on X.
“My deepest condolences to his family – his legacy will endure.”
Leon Williams was a trailblazer and icon. His decades of public service made San Diego stronger and more inclusive. We mourn his passing at 102 and honor his lifetime of breaking barriers and driving change. My deepest condolences to his family—his legacy will endure. pic.twitter.com/uzbpBYL0iZ
— Todd Gloria (@ToddGloria) March 5, 2025Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, who served in the County Counsel’s Office during Williams’ tenure as a supervisor, said the man’s “work to make San Diego a better, more fair and just place continues to inspire me today.”
Former state legislator Toni Atkins called him “one of the finest individuals” and “a true gentleman” who was “a mentor to so many who followed in his footsteps to become civic leaders and change San Diego for the better.”
While experiencing racism at every stage of his career, Williams remained a devoted community member.
He chaired the Metropolitan Transit District for 13 years and helped start the Southeastern Economic Development Corporation and the Centre City Development Corp.
Mr. Leon Williams shaped San Diego and paved the way for Black leaders. He was the first Black person elected to the San Diego City Council and County Board of Supervisors. Rest in peace Mr. Leon Williams, sending love to his family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/FLZStbpOtH
— Vivian Moreno (@vivianmorenoSD) March 5, 2025Community activist Shane Harris, in a salute also posted on X, said he was “truly thankful for (Williams’) public service and I, as well as San Diego, are better off because of it.”
In 2022, San Diego County awarded Williams a Life Achievement Award, honoring his historic contributions, while also commemorating his 100th birthday.
“His service as the first Black County Supervisor is just one of his many accomplishments. Our thoughts are with his loved ones,” a county spokesperson said in a post on X.
Hence then, the article about san diego officials express sorrow over death of political pioneer leon williams was published today ( ) and is available on Times of San Diego ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( San Diego Officials Express Sorrow Over Death of Political Pioneer Leon Williams )
Also on site :
- Ann Godoff, Penguin Press Founder and Editor, Dies at 76
- WI vs SA Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Match 47
- Starmer urges voters to reject ‘toxic’ politics in last ditch plea to win crucial Gorton and Denton by-election