The Obama Foundation in conversation with Chicago community activist Joseph Williams

Nicknamed “The Black Mr. Rogers”, Joseph Williams is a community activist and violence interrupter from Englewood on the South Side of Chicago. The father of five is the founder of Mr. Dad's Father's Club, an organization he created in 2017 centered around literacy to help foster engagement between fathers and their children, and the community in partnership with Chicago Public Schools.

As a community activist, Joseph often leads efforts to increase community engagement that reduces violence and creates a safe space for children. Since the start of the pandemic, he has led efforts to create a youth march, hosted a back to school community drive and is currently working to bring a community garden to the area.

In conversation with Michael Strautmanis, Chief Engagement Officer at the Obama Foundation, Joseph opens up about his community activism and a recent moment where he viral after stepping in to defuse a tense standoff between police officers and community members.