They'll be honored Saturday for giving back to the African-American community.
By JON WILSON
Published September 3, 2003
ST. PETERSBURG - Around her Campbell Park neighborhood, the kids still call her Mama Ruth or maybe sometimes Grandmama.
Ruth Williams has had a way with youngsters virtually since she came to live in St. Petersburg in 1946. As adults, many of them recall her with respect and affection.
When paramedic Cathrine Washington was named St. Petersburg's firefighter of the year four years ago, she named Mrs. Williams during her acceptance speech before the City Council. Mama Ruth, Washington said, was a major influence on her life.
Saturday, Mrs. Williams and three others will be honored at Wildwood Community Center for their contributions to the African-American community.
The others being honored include:
James Oliver Sr., who played in the old Negro League and founded a black baseball team called the Oliver Alouettes. Oliver Field at Campbell Park is named for him.
Isaiah W. "Ike" Williams, who was among the first African-American lawyers to practice in St. Petersburg.
Alexander Williams, Ruth Williams' husband, who supported his wife's activities with youngsters, which included chaperoning them on chartered-bus, out-of-town trips to see Gibbs High School football and basketball games.
"Lots of times we would leave on Fridays. He worked construction, and he would tell his bosses, "If we got to take the kids out of town, I won't be coming to work.' His bosses understood that," Mrs. Williams said.
Minson Rubin, a retired Pinellas County teacher, devotes much of his time to compiling community history. He and some associates are supplying the energy behind Saturday's event, which starts at 5 p.m. Wildwood Community Center is at 1000 28th St. S.
"Since we were raised in St. Petersburg, we decided we would become expert in putting things together to honor pioneers of the past," Rubin said. His organization is called the Community Pioneer Group.
In 1965, Mrs. Williams was honored by Mayor Herman Goldner, who presented her with an outstanding citizenship award. She had organized a teen club in Jordan Park, considered the neighborhood's first such organization for youngsters.
Mrs. Williams lost her son Alexander Jr. in 1964. Boo, as he was known to the family, died from a gunshot wound in 1964. He was 16 years old. Afterward, Mrs. Williams began making even more effort to reach out to children throughout the neighborhood.
"He was a really, really good boy. Even before that the kids used to cater to my house," Mrs. Williams said. "I had nine children, but I didn't cook for just them. I cooked for everybody and they loved me for that."
Goldner's presentation was one of several awards Mrs. Williams has received for her work with young people.
