Jacquelyn “Jackie” Ford William is a spark in the community. As a high school English teacher she instilled a love of words and literature and critical thinking in her students. As a retired educator she continues to teach, but now her subject is African American history and the ways of the Gullah Geechee people.

Once upon a time Jackie taught in a classroom. Now, she is often invited to speak in classrooms (K-12), especially during Black History Month. But Jackie speaks at many venues, spreading her knowledge of African Americans, sometimes assuming the persona of historical figures both in dress and language. 

My cousin Jackie is a spark because through her post-retirement work, she educates, informs, and inspires community members of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. This is my first cousin, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Ford Williams.