Ralph Lee "Yohuru" Williams

1946 - 2022

Ralph Lee "Yohuru" Williams
09/25/1946
We are saddened to announce the passing of Ralph Yohuru Williams on Saturday, September 17, 2022.
Artist and musician Ralph Lee Williams, more popularly known by his performing name Ralph "Yohuru" Williams was born on September 25, 1946, in Mullins, South Carolina. He was the son of Omie Williams-Jefferson and Dock Cleveland Williams. He moved to Connecticut in 1966 where he attended Bassick High School and took classes at Housatonic Community College and Berklee College of Music. After working in several state and federal anti-poverty programs, in 1973, he accepted a position as the head music teacher for the ABCD Cultural Arts Center, where he worked until 1986. During his career, he mentored and taught music and art to thousands of Bridgeport, Hartford, and Waterbury youth. A sought-after artist and performer (Jazz and traditional African drumming), he served as a Master Teacher for the Connecticut Commission on the Arts and over the course of his life performed with such well-known musical talents, such as Don Elliot, Leo Smith and Alan Braufman. He was the musical composer for the theatrical cartoon Who's in Rabbit's House (1995), narrated by James Earl Jones and was a featured contributor along with Sir Paul McCartney in the children's activity book, Open Ears: Creative Adventures in Music and Sound (1995). His innovative artwork utilizing trash was also profiled in the New York Times (1993).
He was deeply loved and cherished, by his family, friends, colleagues, and students. He is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth Williams (Connecticut); his two sons, Yotisse (Geraldine) Williams (Connecticut) and Dr. Yohuru (Alexandra) Williams (Minnesota); and one daughter, Yohanna (Paul) VanHandel (Connecticut); as well as seven grandchildren, Mason Williams, Yariah Lynn Williams, Asa Williams, Gerressi Williams, Ella Williams, Gerryiki Williams and Yoniah Jayne Williams.
A Celebration of his Life to be announced.