NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Dr. Learotha Williams Jr., a professor of African American and Public History at Tennessee State University, has been recognized by the Tennessee General Assembly as a 2026 Black Male Educator Honoree. The distinction celebrates Willliams’ extraordinary contributions to education, mentorship, and the advancement of Tennessee’s future leaders.
The honor, presented through a formal proclamation from Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton and State Rep. Torrey C. Harris, highlights Williams’ vital role in a profession where Black men represent only two percent of educators nationwide. The proclamation noted that Williams “represents a powerful and essential presence in the classroom, serving not only as an instructor but as a role model, leader, and source of inspiration.”
“This recognition celebrates your outstanding leadership and dedication,” said State Rep. Harris. “Your work is truly making a difference, and we are proud to honor you.”
The state-level honor follows Williams’ recent appointment by Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell as the Davidson County Historian, making Williams the first African American to hold the position. Mayor O’Connell praised Williams for making Nashville’s history “come alive,” specifically citing his leadership of the North Nashville Heritage Project and his work with the annual Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture.
Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, lauded her colleague’s impact. “Dr. Williams’ role as an educator does not end at the classroom door, he brings history to life and makes it relevant by taking students where the history happened,” Morgan-Curtis said. “His recognition by the General Assembly is a testament to his ability to bridge the gap between academic rigor and community engagement. He ensures history remains a living part of our campus culture.”
For Williams, history is a fundamental human requirement. “History is necessary for us to function as human beings on this planet,” he said. “If someone doesn’t know their name or can’t remember any information about themself or their past, we call it amnesia. The same applies to societies. Without history, you aren’t properly equipped to move forward.”
At TSU, Williams teaches students to examine history through the lens of Black experiences, centering voices from across the diaspora. He encourages students to connect these narratives to their own lives. “Whether we’re discussing Africa or African American history, I want them to understand how those stories relate to Memphis, Chicago, Nashville, or wherever they come from,” he said. “History should have meaning.”
A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Williams earned his doctorate from Florida State University. His career includes service as a Historic Sites Specialist for the State of Florida and coordinator of African American Studies at Armstrong Atlanta State University. Currently, he serves on the Metro Historic Zoning Commission and the board of the Friends of Fort Negley, a UNESCO Memory Site.
Williams’ work often involves reclaiming spaces of historical trauma to highlight resilience. “We reclaim spaces where painful things happened and tell the full story,” he said. “We remember the suffering, but we also remember the strength and resilience of the people who endured it so we could be here today.”
Reflecting on his appointment as Davidson County Historian, Williams said he initially hesitated but saw the potential for impact. “I realized it was an opportunity to elevate the voices of other marginalized groups and expand the work I’ve already been doing,” he said. “I didn’t fully understand how important that moment was to many people in the city, but I am grateful for the chance to make a lasting difference.”
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
