Description
🏆 2023 BIBA® Non-Fiction: Biography Winner!
A compelling account of the highs and lows that helped shape the life of Art Williams – from sharecropping in Arkansas to breaking baseball’s color barrier as the First Black Umpire in the National League.
Dr. Audie Williams is the author of Unbelievable! The Life Journey of Art Williams – Baseball’s First lack National League Umpire. Although recently published, this book was written nearly a quarter century ago, and speaks to Audie’s steadfast determination to preserve and share the compelling story and resilient spirit of his brother.
Prior to completing his post-secondary education, Audie was drafted into the United States Army, sent to military Police School at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and served as active duty stateside for two years before being honorably discharged.
Dr. Williams received a PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Master’s degree from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, a Bachelor’s degree from California State University Fresno and an Associate of Arts degree from Bakersfield Junior College.
Dr. Williams’ professional career spanned the educational arena. He served as Administrator of Adult and Continuation Schools, Coordinator of Specially Funded Programs, Dean of Students, Counselor, Head Varsity Baseball Coach, Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, High School and Junior College Instructor and Middle School Physical Education Coach.
While holding the position of Dean of Students at a local High School and completing his dissertation, Audie wrote and implemented an In-School suspension Program that was adopted by the District. Dr. Williams has also worked on a number of organizational committees and participated as the Master of Ceremonies for various events and as a workshop presenter at both the State and local levels.
Additionally, for several years Audie traveled to HBCUs in order to interview and recruit Black teaching candidates for the Kern High School District.
Since retiring, Dr. Williams has substituted at a local middle school in the roles of teacher, Vice Principal and Principal. His community involvement has included being a YMCA Board Member and volunteering with the Red Cross and the Kern County Sheriff’s Department.
