Bert Williams (1926-2017)

Bert Williams, former mayor, former city councilman, and forever a voice in El Paso's history, put the city on the map by pushing through civil rights legislation that placed the border community at the

forefront of the entire South.

Born in Tucson, Arizona on April 7, 1926, Bert moved to El Paso at age two and grew up in South El Paso. He attended San Jacinto School, where he spoke Spanish before English, and graduated from El Paso High School in 1942.

During World War II, he served a s a cadet deck officer in the Merchant Marines and participated in the Invasion of Okinawa. After the war, he attended Texas Western College (now UTEP), earning a degree in physics and mathematics while lettering four years in basketball and serving as team captain. He

later earned his law degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio.

Williams became an alderman (city councilman) in the early 1960s, where he authored the first integration ordinance in Texas history-making El Paso the first city in the South to repeal Jim Crow laws. His leadership in passing civil rights legislation changed El Paso forever, setting the stage for future milestones such as Texas Western's 1966 NCAA basketball championship team. He went on to serve as mayor of El Paso from 1971 to 1973.

As mayor, Williams focused on protecting public health by addressing the contamination at ASARCO, helping relocate affected families, and expanding the city's public parks. He also played key roles in major civic projects including widening the Zaragoza Bridge, advocating for a federal courthouse, and pushing for a north-south freeway. His efforts also contributed to the settlement of the Chamizal land dispute with Mexico.

In addition to his public service, Williams was an accomplished athlete. He was inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame and the Softball Hall of Fame, winning two world championships with the Dautrick Jacks fast-pitch softball team. He was also a lifelong golfer and 50-year member of the El Paso Country Club.



He received many honors, including El Paso's Star on the Mountain, the Conquistador Award, and having the downtown transit center named after him.