Jay Williams Memorial Fund Established to Honour His Legacy

 By Neil Armstrong

Photo contributed    Jay Williams, educator, speaker and education consultant

In the aftermath of the sudden death of educator, speaker, and education consultant Jay Williams, 40, many of his friends and colleagues have spoken about continuing his legacy.

To make that possible, his family has established the Jay Williams Memorial Fund to honour the legacy of the gregarious teacher, mentor and coach who died in the wee hours of February 29.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Fund at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/99794 (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/99794).

“Your gift will continue the work Jay began, reaching students and those who teach and mentor them. Thank you for honouring Jay’s life with your generosity,” said the family. 

In an announcement of the funeral details, his mother, Paulette Senior — who was appointed to the Senate of Canada in December and sworn in during the first week of February — and the entire family thanked everyone for the messages of “condolences and outpouring of support as we navigate our heartbreak and our way through life without him.”

The viewing and visitation will be on Friday, March 15, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McEachnie Funeral Home, 28 Old Kingston Road in Ajax, Ontario. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 10:45 a.m. at Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 1920 Notion Road in Pickering, Ontario. 

Williams was an educator for 14 years at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and was the coordinator of equity as well as held portfolios in equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression, the Black Student Success and Excellence initiative at the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement and Model Schools for Inner Cities. 

 

Williams had a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education and Promotion from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Education from Ontario Tech University. 

“Jay was driven by a passion to use education as a platform to make lasting impact. Inspired by his commitment to equity, he helped students achieve success despite daunting circumstances, and an education system and teaching methods that limited their ability to reach their full potential.

“Jay inspired students and colleagues with his energy, authenticity, and belief that as we know better, we must become better. As a consultant, speaker, and author he advocated for policy changes within the education system that were essential for students to realize their goals,” noted his family.

They said his aim was to “connect with people to facilitate the process of informing and (re)educating in all environments, not just educational settings.” He believed in “the importance of being a role model to engage, empower, motivate, and inspire not only students and educators but society as a whole.”

Arun Chetram, a friend of Williams since elementary school, said, “JJ was my first best friend growing up at the ripe young age of 5 years old. We made an immediate connection that remained in place until his tragic last day. 

 

“JJ was the glue of our community, the connective tissue that brought various circles of the community together and it truly was one of his superpowers, bringing his community and people together. To know who JJ was is to also know that all the success and recognition he obtained, was not by fluke, but from his tireless work ethic to always do better and to uplift those around him and most importantly the next generation. 

 

“He tackled injustices and social issues head on, never forgetting where he came from but also ensuring he remained true to self. His loss is a void that will never be replaced. His legacy lives on through his family, his friends, and the countless number of students that he influenced. I will forever miss him. His energy, his infectious smile and aura was undeniable because he truly cared about and loved those close to him immensely. While time is the only healer, it will be extremely difficult to make sense of him being taken away from us too soon. For all of the amazing things he set out to accomplish and the everlasting impact he had on so many, it's hard to not think of what was to be, because the truth is, he was only getting started. 

 

“I love you my brother and I'll ensure I do my part to keep your legacy going,” said Chetram.

 

Storyteller, author and managing director of Blackhurst Cultural Centre, Itah Sadu, recalled how excited Williams was when he and his mom invited her to tell stories at his school. “He was a primary grade student, I was just blossoming in my career, and boy, that day he made me feel like a superstar as he sat straight back, eyes filled with excitement and his face glowing with all the potential in the world.” 

The co-owner of A Different Booklist said she had several opportunities to work with the dynamic educator and witness his progress. 

“In January, I danced with him and several educators at a “wind down Friday” at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. It was joyous. I will always remember how he wrapped me up as an Auntie in the warmest embrace. Thanks to his mom and family for sharing this brilliant young man and gift with us,” she said.

Karen Murray, system superintendent, equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression for the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement at the TDSB, said Williams was loved. “By being his authentic self, he made a difference in the lives of students, families, and staff for generations to come.” 

Abhi Arulanantham, principal of Edgewood Public School, said Williams was someone “whose mere presence made you pause, and when he spoke, you just knew that he was someone committed to doing what he could to make the world a better place for others, especially young Black folks.

 

“He and I spoke just a few days before he passed, and our conversation was about how difficult it is to carry the burden of doing equity work in a system that is not set up for racialized folks. We ended the conversation with him saying he was going to come by my school in a few days so that he could ground himself with students and remind himself of why he does the work he does despite all the obstacles. This is how I will remember him - as someone who would completely put himself out there in a harsh world full of obstacles, just so that he could ensure that our students - our future - are better. Jay was special,” she said.

 

Lindsey Marshall, coordinator, Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement (Acting), said Williams’s authentic commitment to Black student success and excellence was reflected in the way he lived and engaged in his work both in and out of the classroom. “I know Jay's impact and legacy will continue to shape the fabric of education for generations to come.”

 

He was the only child for his mother and leaves behind his father Ron Williams and five siblings.