Lloyd Williams, longtime president and CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) and co-founder of the neighborhood’s iconic Harlem Week celebrations, died on Tuesday. He was 80.
According to the chamber and his family, Williams endured a battle with cancer and died peacefully, surrounded by relatives.
“It is with profound sadness that The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and the family of Lloyd Williams, President and CEO of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Co-Founder of Harlem Week, passed away peacefully overnight, surrounded by loved ones, following a private and courageous battle with cancer,” Winston Majette, executive director of the chamber, said in a statement.
Williams ‘celebrated the magic’ of Harlem
Williams’ death occurred five days into this year’s Harlem Week, which the chamber said would continue as planned through Aug. 17.
“Our theme this year is ‘Celebrate Our Magic,’ which is fitting because Lloyd always celebrated the magic of his beloved community,” Majette said.
amNewYork spoke with Williams last year about the 50th anniversary of Harlem Week, one of the city’s most iconic neighborhood events. He discussed the deep history, culture, and people that make up the vibrant and world-famous community of Harlem.
“Harlem is one of the largest, most popular of all the tourist and visitor destinations in NYC,” Williams explained. “It stands among the top four destinations for visitors from around the nation and around the world when they come to New York.”
A lifelong Harlem resident who grew up on 120th Street between Lenox and Seventh Avenues, he enjoyed learning about Harlem from family, the community and his own experiences.
His family has lived in Harlem since 1919.
During his interview with amNewYork in 2024, he discussed many contributions of the northern Manhattan community, including its place in travel as a popular destination spot in NYC.
One of the many Harlem highlights he was particularly proud of is the number of colleges located in the area, including City College, Columbia, Teachers College, and the Manhattan School of Music.
“For more than 50 years, Lloyd has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life and shape both the cultural and economic identity of not just Harlem but the city as a whole,” Majette said.
The GHCC said funeral information will be announced.
“Kindly keep our family in your thoughts and prayers,” Majette said.
