VerA Warren-Williams

Vera Waren Williams has always been passionate about the preservation and
celebration of her African American Heritage. As a substitute teacher in New Orleans Public Schools, Ms. Williams identified a significant gap in the availability of books and educational resources that accurately reflect the experiences and historical context of African-American students. She began sharing books, puzzles and games from her personal library and noticed the profound effect this had on students when they were exposed to positive images and narratives that mirrored them.

The demand for such books grew beyond the annual Black History Month displays in mainstream bookstores in February. The Community Book Center (CBC) was established as a home-based community service in 1983. CBC has grown into a cultural institution that is “More than A Bookstore” CBC is a literary and cultural hub that hosts meetings, book signings, youth programs, book clubs, artist exhibitions, and other special events. Ms. Williams serves on numerous committees and advisory boards and is an educational consultant and public speaker.

Ms. Williams earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in 1981, and subsequently obtained her Master's Degree in Museum Studies in 2018, both from Southern University at New Orleans. Her graduate school project was the creation of the Youth Arts Mentoring Program ( YAMP). YAMP provides cultural arts and educational opportunities for African American youth age 13-18 interested in becoming museum professionals and future culture preservationist. Ms. Williams is married to Dr. Gary Williams and they have one son.