On Dec. 16, a group of old friends assembled for dinner and drinks at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle in Oakland. The occasion was the celebration of the birthdays of three of the old comrades, some of whom had known each other for more than 50 years. Being feted were Carl Adams, a Richmond businessman, Jim McMillan, former Richmond city councilman, and McKinley Williams, former president of Contra Costa College.

For more than 35 years, Mr. Adams has attempted to develop affordable housing for local residents, always trying to grow his business while working against the systemic racism faced by African American developers.

A successful pharmacist, during his time on the Richmond city council, Mr. McMillan aggressively and successfully fought against racism in a police department that was notorious for the actions of a faction known as “the cowboys,” which no longer exists.

Mr. Williams grew up and attended schools in Richmond and then went on to study and receive degrees from San Francisco State University and the University of Colorado. After serving in various administrative positions Mr. Williams became president of Contra Costa College. During his time as president, he aggressively led the effort to recruit and support African American residents from the local area.

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