Like many southern states, Arkansas is no stranger to the struggle for racial equity. In Ronnie Williams’ new book “Markham Street: The Haunting Truth Behind the Murder of My Brother, Marvin Leonard Williams,” the Menifee native takes readers on his family’s decades-long fight for justice following the murder of his brother in Conway in the spring of 1960.
A portion of the book’s description reads:
“Markham Street” is more than a story about systemic racism, police violence or brutal murder, although it is all of those. Above all, it is the story of one man’s enduring love for his lost brother and his devotion to his grieving parents, who kept silent for two and a half decades to protect their seven surviving children.
We spoke with Williams on his decision to write the book and his continued hope for the future.
What inspired you to share your story after all these years?
RW: “Markham Street” is an ode to my brother. I could not allow those in positions of responsibility to overshadow his life and memory with lies about his death’s circumstances.
What message do you hope readers will take from “Markham Street” into 2022 and beyond?
RW: I hope my book propels readers to work to address the harms of the past and those that continue to plague our communities. Hate is our original sin, and I firmly believe we all must work together to eradicate it.
Your parents instilled the power of love over hate in their children. With that mindset, what is your hope for the future of our community and state?
RW: I’m optimistic that we will not allow hate to win. If left unaddressed, hate can destroy families, communities, states or even our country. We must realize we have more in common than our differences. Let’s focus on what unites us rather than divides us.
“Markham Street” is available at local bookstores, as well as Book Baby, Amazon and Walmart. For more information, visit ronniewilliamsauthor.com.