Black El Paso News & Information Blog

For several weeks I have listened to and participated in conversations about one interesting El Pasoan: Mr. Donald L. Williams…”The Don”…as his friends call him.

 Don has created a stir in the hearts of many to get up, get out and vote. At the same time, he has created a stir for some to question who he is as a person. During the campaign to encourage El Pasoans to make a difference in this year’s Presidential election, Don rallied the troops to make sure that every El Pasoan had the opportunity to at least register to vote regardless of their political preference. Though some may have missed the cutoff date in our local elections, many did realize the importance of registering in preparation for November’s much anticipated event of the century.   

What some consider as an antagonistic demeanor, I chalk up to compellingly bold. Bold enough to stand up for beliefs not only for himself but of others who don’t possess that much needed boldness in today’s society to fight for what is right. I have never been one to even think about understanding the importance of local voting, but Don has encouraged me to believe that it is better to believe in something or someone than nothing at all. I have a better understanding of politics in general because of what little time we have had to talk.

We may not agree on everything, but I can guarantee you this much…he keeps you on your toes when it comes to realizing that you not only can, but must make a difference in the world…one vote at a time. 

The conversations about Don started when I asked a colleague friend of mine what they thought of him. I asked because they stated that he was too outspoken. When asked to elaborate on what makes him too outspoken, their answer was simply put, “Look at all the ruckus he caused about the precinct conventions.” My first thought was to laugh but I contained myself and proceeded to give facts.  

Fact #1: He didn’t cause a ruckus, however he stood up for not only El Paso Democrats but the nation’s Democrats as a whole. By doing so, the challenge was presented at the county convention that was heard and decided by the State Credentials Committee. That Committee awarded El Paso an additional 26 Delegates and 26 Obama Alternates over the 18 we already had. 

Fact #2: He convinced ‘you’ to vote for Obama based on FACTS!

Fact #3: He stated that regardless of the lack of support for Obama in El Paso, he would get the Democratic nod as the candidate of choice…all this while most El Paso’s Democratic leaders leaned towards Clinton.

Fact #4: His outspokenness shouldn’t be considered as brazen, rather wit and wisdom. The more you talk about him, the more you prove he’s getting somebody’s attention. I could go on about the facts we discussed, but I’ll leave that for another time.

As President of the Black El Paso Democrats, he has made a difference in El Paso. Don doesn’t try to make waves for correct political movement alone. He encourages everyone he comes in contact with to move…whether you’re on the right or the left.     For those of you who do know him, give him a word of encouragement to keep up the good work. I’ve never seen anyone so passionate about an election. Could it be that Obama is a black man…? Probably. However, if that is the case, I can completely understand his passion. He grew up in a time when other Black men and women were told they couldn’t be doctors or lawyers. He grew up in a time where Black men were yet lynched for just being black. He grew up in a time where we as Black people were still fighting to be considered 100% human.

He grew up in a time where as a Black man you had to yell to be heard.

He grew up in a time where in spite of the odds against him, he married his sweetheart, a beautiful Mexican-American young lady by the name of Ruth who is his all in all.   

Throughout his years, Don has allowed God to fight his battles…without shame. So, if at the end of the day you’re wondering why he has a smile on his face, it’s not because he’s conceited, its because he knows why he can stand victorious in life.    My personal quote as you ponder the question: “Who is Donald L.Williams?” Don’t judge the man if you don’t know the man. When you do judge him, judge him righteously, not based on someone’s negative viewpoints. As I finished my conversation with my friend, I left them with this one thought: “If someone were to examine you at this very moment…thoroughly, I mean just show up at your house out of the blue, what would they find? Would they find a peaceful, loving atmosphere or one of disarray?” Needless to say, they agreed that Don wouldn’t be where he is today without relying on the positive encouragement of others and the belief that in order to win, you have to fight.  

What I take from knowing Don is, when someone tells you no, your boldness will make them say yes in a split second.  Mr. Williams, if you’re reading this, know that you have made a difference in the lives of many. They may not tell you but as long as you are talking, someone is listening. Keep talking.