2024 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion | C. Raphael Davis-Williams
The Ohio State Bar Foundation is pleased to have honored C. Raphael Davis-Williams, Director of Equity, People, Inclusion, and Culture for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio in Columbus, with the Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Award on October 25 at the All Rise Annual Awards Celebration.
C. Raphael Davis-Williams is the Director of Equity, People, Inclusion, and Culture for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, a role he has held since April 2019. Prior to joining the ACLU, Davis-Williams spent nearly a decade as a plaintiffs’ civil rights attorney, litigating cases in federal court on behalf of individuals discriminated against in housing and employment due to race, sex, religion, disability, national origin, and sexual orientation.
A Houston, Texas native, Davis-Williams began his career as a television news reporter before transitioning to law. His community advocacy includes leadership roles in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and several boards, including the Kaleidoscope Youth Center and Black, Out, & Proud. He earned his undergraduate degree from Sam Houston State University and earned his law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
"Raphael has been a leader throughout his career as an attorney and in his volunteer work on equity and inclusion," said Sarah Biehl, Policy Director of the Ohio Mayors Alliance. "Whether advocating for clients, giving talks, or leading community initiatives, Raphael consistently works toward a more just world. He speaks passionately about oppression and inequality, but always in a way that inspires action and engagement. Many, including myself, view Raphael as a role model, and I can think of no one more deserving of the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award."