Dr. Christopher Williams is a public lecturer and local historian on the Pearl Escape of 1848. He first encouraged an annual commemoration in the Promoting Social and Economic Equity in the Southwest-Waterfront Neighborhood in Washington, DC: Recommendations on Fostering an Inclusive Southwest Community, which he co-authored in May 2020. Dr. Williams thanks Dr. Felecia Williams for being a sounding board and research assistance for his work on the Pearl.

He joined others in 2021 in Southwest neighborhood to establish the Pearl Initiative, which began annual community events. His volunteer roles have been integral to the group’s success. He has volunteer video and photography services (right). In 2022, he created a 12-panel public art exhibition at the corner of 4th St and M St SW. In April 2024, he was the featured keynote speaker at the group’s annual event - walking attendees through a virtual walkthrough of contemporary sites associated with the Pearl Escape and slavery in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Dr. Williams continues to encourage public education on the Pearl Escape. He successfully led efforts for its recognition in the Spirit of 1848 public health listserv. He had been approached to write a book on the Pearl Escape for general audiences.