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One On One
Rep. Patrick Williams-Focused Role Model
The sound of a gavel, the veto of a vote and the attendance of numerous lawmakers is a daily routine that many lawmakers dread. But there are a few that have decided to fight the good fight of good and conscious decisions that will change the lives of many.Patrick Williams knows all too well the routine that is mentioned. He daily lives by it and often faces the challenges that would otherwise cause many to walk away. Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Williams has carved out a exemplary respect that is felt throughout the state of Louisiana and abroad.
His education portfolio is quite an Achievement and is a shining example of dedication. He attended Newton Smith/Northside Elementary schools as well as Green Oaks High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he was active in the student government.
Patrick continued his education at Southern University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Architecture Engineering. He then received his master’s (MBA) from Centenary College, and is currently pursuing his PhD. in Applied Management and Decision Science with a specialization in Organizational Leadership from Walden University.
Patrick along with his lovely wife Karanda, a local court reporter, have empowered various communities and local youth with their unwavering love and support of education.
Currently holding the office of State Representative of District 4 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Patrick states, “ Just having experience and education is not the only qualifications, but more importantly you need a love for the people in the community in which you are willing to serve.”
Williams’ primary focus as the State Representative has been education, healthcare reform, and the elderly. Recently, I had the awesome opportunity of interviewing Representative Williams and I must say, He has a great desire to make a difference.
Lets take a look,
Let me first start off by saying, Its an honor to know you as well as interview you sir!
Thank you Darian, Its my pleasure and I must say, You are doing a great job as well.
Thank you so much. Patrick, tell our readers where you hail from?
I am the proud product of the MLK community; formerly known as the Cooper Road, where we are a Proud People with a Proud Past.
Absolutely, That area is slowly being revitalized and I know you have something to do with that. What inspired you to get into Government and Politics?
I became acquainted with my friend Floyd Kirksey, 17 years ago when we worked together at Pennzoil Products Co. Floyd was already active in politics, and he gave me a Latin phrase to remember and I still use it today "De Oppresso Liber" which means, “To Liberate the Oppressed". We have to fight for those who can't defend themselves!
Having lived in four different states and experiencing the different cultures of each, I gleaned that the only true way to effectuate change is to be a part of the process. Through my entire educational progression, it became evident to me; the most that I can do is to give of myself. I learned there are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or to accept the responsibility for changing them. I know that politics is not for everyone, but, for me, I would rather do, than complain.
Patrick along with his lovely wife Karanda, a local court reporter, have empowered various communities and local youth with their unwavering love and support of education.
Currently holding the office of State Representative of District 4 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Patrick states, “ Just having experience and education is not the only qualifications, but more importantly you need a love for the people in the community in which you are willing to serve.”
Williams’ primary focus as the State Representative has been education, healthcare reform, and the elderly. Recently, I had the awesome opportunity of interviewing Representative Williams and I must say, He has a great desire to make a difference.
Lets take a look,
Let me first start off by saying, Its an honor to know you as well as interview you sir!
Thank you Darian, Its my pleasure and I must say, You are doing a great job as well.
Thank you so much. Patrick, tell our readers where you hail from?
I am the proud product of the MLK community; formerly known as the Cooper Road, where we are a Proud People with a Proud Past.
Absolutely, That area is slowly being revitalized and I know you have something to do with that. What inspired you to get into Government and Politics?
I became acquainted with my friend Floyd Kirksey, 17 years ago when we worked together at Pennzoil Products Co. Floyd was already active in politics, and he gave me a Latin phrase to remember and I still use it today "De Oppresso Liber" which means, “To Liberate the Oppressed". We have to fight for those who can't defend themselves!
Having lived in four different states and experiencing the different cultures of each, I gleaned that the only true way to effectuate change is to be a part of the process. Through my entire educational progression, it became evident to me; the most that I can do is to give of myself. I learned there are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or to accept the responsibility for changing them. I know that politics is not for everyone, but, for me, I would rather do, than complain.
Who are some of your favorite Governmental Leaders and why?
Outstanding leaders appeal to the hearts of their followers, not their minds. If we reflect on the well-remembered political leaders in American history, we will find men who were able to grip the hearts of the people: Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan, Clinton, and Obama. If we look at these men and their political careers, we can see it was not about partisanship, but it was and is about the ability to cast a vision, to empathize, to spark hope, to speak to the hearts. It’s not that these leaders didn’t use logic, they just traveled beyond logic to win the hearts of their audience.
In reviewing your political history, it would appear that you could be considered a Blue Dog Democrat. If that is true, please explain what that means to you?
I don't know if I can be considered as a Blue Dog democrat or not. I just try to make decisions that I feel are moral and just. Decisions that I feel are in the best interest of the people that I have the pleasure of serving, and not myself. I am a member of the NRA and I strongly believe in our second amendment rights. Most people in our great state love to hunt and fish and I'm one of them.
I'm a pro-life public servant. I always have been and I always will be. My faith in Christ weighs heavy on my beliefs and I'm not afraid to admit that. “There is non righteous, no not one”. I just happened to believe that marriage is a sacred bond and should be between only a man and woman. So, if these are some of the things by which I may be considered a blue dog democrat, than so is it. They are just the ideas and beliefs that I was taught to believe in and I hold dear. However, I'm not big on labels.
What are your feelings and concerns on our health debate?
As a member of the Louisiana State Representative’s Health and Welfare committee, I have had the opportunity to see first hand the deep cuts in health care and the pain that this broken system has on our middle class and working poor.
Although I don’t agree entirely with the decisions president Obama has made, I have to applaud the President's effort to bring about some type of reform. There has to be a starting point. There are over 47 million of our fellow citizens without any form or very limited healthcare coverage.
The United States has the best health care providers in terms of our doctors, nurses, researchers and technician in the world. No one else even comes close. However, these professionals are working in a system that is in need of major repair. If no change of substance is achieved, this system may in turn, bankrupt our nation in the very near future.
What concerns you the most about the state of politics today?
The state of the political system today is a grave concern of mine. I see the rip that partisan politics is causing between our people in this great nation. We are more and more partisan then ever before, which is indicated by the shear fact that the exchange of dialogue has given way to mere name calling.
We have come to a place now, where our leadership would rather see each other fail than to move this nation forward. How did we as leaders let this happen? This is one question I ask myself every night. You know, I don't fear terrorism or an outside attack because I know the people of this great nation will bounce right back. What I do fear is that we will rip ourselves apart by refusing to seek common ground. We must remember that we may not always agree on how to move forward, but in the end, we must understand that we will all get there together!
Interesting answers to the questions set before you. Now, lets shift to another side of your life. How did you become a Business Owner?
“A man can fail, but he isn’t a failure until he blames someone else” (J. Paul Getty). I have come to learn that, when you have your own, you are in control of your destiny. My dad ingrained in me the importance of a good work ethics at a young age. I have carried that throughout the extent of my life.
My career includes employment with several large Architectural Firms throughout the country. I have also been employed with a large Oil company. The experience gained while employed with these firms was invaluable; nonetheless, I knew the chances of becoming a part of the ownership team was far reaching. While employed with Pennzoil, I made a conscious decision, that after leaving; I would not work solely for someone else again. I have been self-employed since 2000.
How are you giving back to your local community?
As a leader, I have learned that leadership has its privileges and perceived influences, however, leadership is not about titles, positions, or the person, it’s about one life influencing another. As a State Representative, I have come to the realization that children, the elderly and the disabled are my areas of concern or, if you will, my ministry. I am lending my voice to the community, my efforts and my compassion to bring attention to the nationwide epidemics of Childhood Obesity and Autism.
As elected officials, in our capacities, we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. I have come to understand there is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people. My purpose…NOW, in life…is to serve the people of Louisiana.
As a Representative, my life is centered on being the best Representative I can be. In the short period of time that I have been elected as a legislator, I have been entrusted to serve on some very important committees and I pride myself on attending every meeting and contributing to the best of my ability in a positive way.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 Years?
In today’s society, there are a lot of challenges as it relates to education and even more controversies as it relates to economic opportunities. One has to be engaged and understand where the decisions are being made. The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but it is too low and we reach it.
I can only see myself where God has a plan for me. I love helping with the disadvantaged. If God's plan for me is to remain in some form of politics, which includes helping those that need my help, than that’s where I will be ten years from now, perhaps the U.S. Congress. I pray that my desires will line up with God’s will.
How have you dealt with the highs and lows of your career?
As an eager Architecture graduate, I loved drawing, creating, and designing. As my career and knowledge base developed, I learned more about the marketing side of the business, my passion for design decreased and I lost the love for Architecture. I spent ten years away from the profession.
In that time away, I learned that if you fall seven times, you stand up eight. When I got to the end of my rope, I know it’s a cliché, but I laterally tied a knot and held on. Through all of this, I know personally that success is determined by how high you bounce when you hit bottom. And I also learned that the secret of success is to be ready when your opportunity comes. I have now been back in the marketing of Architecture and Engineering services as a consultant for the last nine years.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of getting into politics? And Being a State Rep?
It is my mission to encourage young adults to get involved in the process early. I am of the opinion that we have a shortage of good candidates for elective offices because the previous leaders of the community did not foster the relationships with young people and did not offer the encouragement.
Moreover, the main reason can be contributed to self-preservation. I would say to anyone thinking of getting into politics; try not to become a person of success, but rather, try to become a person of values. Politics is not an easy game and it is imperative that when the decision is made, the individual making the decision must be prepared, for this is half the victory and he must have faith that anything is possible.
Tell us about your yearly trek across the state?
I want my time as an elected official to be one of meaning. Mr. Floyd Kirksey and I have made the 226 mile walk from Shreveport to Baton Rouge twice now, and it has proven to be a task of meaning. The awareness of the National Epidemics of Childhood Obesity and Autism has become an important issue throughout the state.
The most asked question is: where do you sleep? Let’s address that now. We do not sleep on the side of the road, thanks so much for the concern for our safety. The process that we have developed is that we spend about eight hours a day traveling. We have a navigator and driver who scopes out the road as we walk by driving ahead every three miles as this has become the basis for the three miles per hour.
At the end of the day, we hope to have completed between 18 to 21 miles for that day. We then mark the spot and return home. The next day, we drive to the spot where we stopped the previous day and pick up from there. We return home for the first four to five days and then we drive ahead to find a hotel for the rest of the trip. This is the process until we reach Baton Rouge.
After the first couple of days, the task becomes a mind over matter thing. We learn a lot about the people of this great state throughout the walk. It is rewarding to have so many people to stop and tell us how thankful they are that we take the time and put the effort into bringing attention to these issues.
Here at Legends, Icons and Role Models, We salute him and recognize him as a FOCUSED Role Model!!
Outstanding leaders appeal to the hearts of their followers, not their minds. If we reflect on the well-remembered political leaders in American history, we will find men who were able to grip the hearts of the people: Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan, Clinton, and Obama. If we look at these men and their political careers, we can see it was not about partisanship, but it was and is about the ability to cast a vision, to empathize, to spark hope, to speak to the hearts. It’s not that these leaders didn’t use logic, they just traveled beyond logic to win the hearts of their audience.
In reviewing your political history, it would appear that you could be considered a Blue Dog Democrat. If that is true, please explain what that means to you?
I don't know if I can be considered as a Blue Dog democrat or not. I just try to make decisions that I feel are moral and just. Decisions that I feel are in the best interest of the people that I have the pleasure of serving, and not myself. I am a member of the NRA and I strongly believe in our second amendment rights. Most people in our great state love to hunt and fish and I'm one of them.
I'm a pro-life public servant. I always have been and I always will be. My faith in Christ weighs heavy on my beliefs and I'm not afraid to admit that. “There is non righteous, no not one”. I just happened to believe that marriage is a sacred bond and should be between only a man and woman. So, if these are some of the things by which I may be considered a blue dog democrat, than so is it. They are just the ideas and beliefs that I was taught to believe in and I hold dear. However, I'm not big on labels.
What are your feelings and concerns on our health debate?
As a member of the Louisiana State Representative’s Health and Welfare committee, I have had the opportunity to see first hand the deep cuts in health care and the pain that this broken system has on our middle class and working poor.
Although I don’t agree entirely with the decisions president Obama has made, I have to applaud the President's effort to bring about some type of reform. There has to be a starting point. There are over 47 million of our fellow citizens without any form or very limited healthcare coverage.
The United States has the best health care providers in terms of our doctors, nurses, researchers and technician in the world. No one else even comes close. However, these professionals are working in a system that is in need of major repair. If no change of substance is achieved, this system may in turn, bankrupt our nation in the very near future.
What concerns you the most about the state of politics today?
The state of the political system today is a grave concern of mine. I see the rip that partisan politics is causing between our people in this great nation. We are more and more partisan then ever before, which is indicated by the shear fact that the exchange of dialogue has given way to mere name calling.
We have come to a place now, where our leadership would rather see each other fail than to move this nation forward. How did we as leaders let this happen? This is one question I ask myself every night. You know, I don't fear terrorism or an outside attack because I know the people of this great nation will bounce right back. What I do fear is that we will rip ourselves apart by refusing to seek common ground. We must remember that we may not always agree on how to move forward, but in the end, we must understand that we will all get there together!
Interesting answers to the questions set before you. Now, lets shift to another side of your life. How did you become a Business Owner?
“A man can fail, but he isn’t a failure until he blames someone else” (J. Paul Getty). I have come to learn that, when you have your own, you are in control of your destiny. My dad ingrained in me the importance of a good work ethics at a young age. I have carried that throughout the extent of my life.
My career includes employment with several large Architectural Firms throughout the country. I have also been employed with a large Oil company. The experience gained while employed with these firms was invaluable; nonetheless, I knew the chances of becoming a part of the ownership team was far reaching. While employed with Pennzoil, I made a conscious decision, that after leaving; I would not work solely for someone else again. I have been self-employed since 2000.
How are you giving back to your local community?
As a leader, I have learned that leadership has its privileges and perceived influences, however, leadership is not about titles, positions, or the person, it’s about one life influencing another. As a State Representative, I have come to the realization that children, the elderly and the disabled are my areas of concern or, if you will, my ministry. I am lending my voice to the community, my efforts and my compassion to bring attention to the nationwide epidemics of Childhood Obesity and Autism.
As elected officials, in our capacities, we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. I have come to understand there is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people. My purpose…NOW, in life…is to serve the people of Louisiana.
Wow! Being a Husband, Son, Business Owner and State Representative, how do you balance it all out?
I try to balance it all one day at a time. As a husband, I am truly blessed and I have a very understanding wife. My wife supports what I am doing and I know it’s hard on her because I am away more than I am home. I love her for trusting and believing in me. As a son, I have a praying mother. She tries not to worry, but I know she does. As a business owner, I have very understanding associates who take up the slack when I am not able to.
I try to balance it all one day at a time. As a husband, I am truly blessed and I have a very understanding wife. My wife supports what I am doing and I know it’s hard on her because I am away more than I am home. I love her for trusting and believing in me. As a son, I have a praying mother. She tries not to worry, but I know she does. As a business owner, I have very understanding associates who take up the slack when I am not able to.
As a Representative, my life is centered on being the best Representative I can be. In the short period of time that I have been elected as a legislator, I have been entrusted to serve on some very important committees and I pride myself on attending every meeting and contributing to the best of my ability in a positive way.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 Years?
In today’s society, there are a lot of challenges as it relates to education and even more controversies as it relates to economic opportunities. One has to be engaged and understand where the decisions are being made. The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but it is too low and we reach it.
I can only see myself where God has a plan for me. I love helping with the disadvantaged. If God's plan for me is to remain in some form of politics, which includes helping those that need my help, than that’s where I will be ten years from now, perhaps the U.S. Congress. I pray that my desires will line up with God’s will.
How have you dealt with the highs and lows of your career?
As an eager Architecture graduate, I loved drawing, creating, and designing. As my career and knowledge base developed, I learned more about the marketing side of the business, my passion for design decreased and I lost the love for Architecture. I spent ten years away from the profession.
In that time away, I learned that if you fall seven times, you stand up eight. When I got to the end of my rope, I know it’s a cliché, but I laterally tied a knot and held on. Through all of this, I know personally that success is determined by how high you bounce when you hit bottom. And I also learned that the secret of success is to be ready when your opportunity comes. I have now been back in the marketing of Architecture and Engineering services as a consultant for the last nine years.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of getting into politics? And Being a State Rep?
It is my mission to encourage young adults to get involved in the process early. I am of the opinion that we have a shortage of good candidates for elective offices because the previous leaders of the community did not foster the relationships with young people and did not offer the encouragement.
Moreover, the main reason can be contributed to self-preservation. I would say to anyone thinking of getting into politics; try not to become a person of success, but rather, try to become a person of values. Politics is not an easy game and it is imperative that when the decision is made, the individual making the decision must be prepared, for this is half the victory and he must have faith that anything is possible.
Tell us about your yearly trek across the state?
I want my time as an elected official to be one of meaning. Mr. Floyd Kirksey and I have made the 226 mile walk from Shreveport to Baton Rouge twice now, and it has proven to be a task of meaning. The awareness of the National Epidemics of Childhood Obesity and Autism has become an important issue throughout the state.
The most asked question is: where do you sleep? Let’s address that now. We do not sleep on the side of the road, thanks so much for the concern for our safety. The process that we have developed is that we spend about eight hours a day traveling. We have a navigator and driver who scopes out the road as we walk by driving ahead every three miles as this has become the basis for the three miles per hour.
At the end of the day, we hope to have completed between 18 to 21 miles for that day. We then mark the spot and return home. The next day, we drive to the spot where we stopped the previous day and pick up from there. We return home for the first four to five days and then we drive ahead to find a hotel for the rest of the trip. This is the process until we reach Baton Rouge.
After the first couple of days, the task becomes a mind over matter thing. We learn a lot about the people of this great state throughout the walk. It is rewarding to have so many people to stop and tell us how thankful they are that we take the time and put the effort into bringing attention to these issues.
The parents of these children really are of the opinion that no one cares. This makes it worthwhile for us. We are pleased that so many people have joined our efforts. There are still some skeptics; however, we have learned that most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. We will continue to “Walk the Walk for our Kids”.
Upon meeting State Representative Williams, I found a genuine and honest spirit as well as a determined individual. He is one who knows his agenda and is not afraid to inform anyone who will listen.
Upon meeting State Representative Williams, I found a genuine and honest spirit as well as a determined individual. He is one who knows his agenda and is not afraid to inform anyone who will listen.
Here at Legends, Icons and Role Models, We salute him and recognize him as a FOCUSED Role Model!!
www.patrickwilliams.com
18 comments
Can he run for Congress? Looks good!
Rep. Williams is the kind of democratic leader that can make it in the bible belt.... A run for senate, state or U.S. would be good for him in the future.
President of the United States Patrick Williams and First Lady Karanda Williams I am truly grateful to have such humble people in my live. Patrick you are awersome and you truly are doing a great job as a State Representative. You are so postive about everything. Intelligent yes you are Giving yes you are Christian Man extremely yes you are. God has bigger things ahead for you. You have done a great job in your positions and just wanted to let you know I pray for you daily and Karanda daily. May God continue to flower you and your family with blessing.
What a great resource!
Patrick seem to be the type of African- American blue dog democrat that can take a statewide seat. He has a very exciting background....maybe a run at state senate at least! His commitment to the children of Louisiana is second to none. Good luck on your walk and I'll be watching you for future opportunities.
Glad to see we have a public servant that's a good role model for our community. Keep doing the wonderful work that you do and have done Rep.Williams...you're have my support and vote. Very good blog Darian!
Wish you would run for mayor Mr. Williams! You have a very impressive resume and background. Can you help with repairing Pines Rd. though? Also, help your colleague Ms.Norton out please? God knows she needs it!
Patrick I am proud to say that you are definitely one of a kind. There aren't enough words to express how I truly feel. These three words can sum it up" I Love You". God blessed you with a good wife. God has his hands on you, you are blessed , good things do come from the Cooper Road and you are one of them. I will see you Saturday. The Collins family (Adolph,Linda,Talia, Alice & Austin) loves you.
Great read... This is a young man going to big and better places!
Heard rumors that Williams might run for mayor of Shreveport. I hope not! The mayors position seem to all always be a dead end job for public officials. He has to much talent to seek that crapy spot. Like to see him as a state senator or in the U.S. congress.
Patrick is a very strong official. He has a well connected team around him starting with Floyd. They are and will be extremely hard to beat together. It's like running against two candidates instead of one. Patrick is the angel that you love and Floyd is the devil that you love and respect!
Good post and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you as your information.
Man, some of you are going to "stir up a hornets nest" with talk of his running for State Senate. He should run for re-election unless he runs for a term-limited position or vacant office. He truly cares about people. That much I know.
This young man walk by my house here in Alexandria, must say he's impressive. Keep up the good work Patrick Williams
Patrick can run for any office he wants in Shreveport plus WIN! Don't worry about a hornest nest Patrick you just keep on working and caring for people!
Saw you walking through Boyce yesterday Mr.Williams. It's good to see someone who cares about the little people here. Best of luck to you.
Patrick, I commend you for all that you do for humankind. It is evident that it is truly from your heart. God bless you and I wish you well in your long career as a public servant. I see you going nowhere but all the way. I would vote for you any day. Take care.
This was a very good post. Didn't think he had black leadership like Patrick in Northwest La. We'll see you on the next level Patrick what ever that may be for you! Thanks for your walk and caring.
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