Mary Luana Williams

Mary Luana Williams is an American social activist and author who wrote The Lost Daughter: A Memoir about her life. The memoir details being adopted by Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden in her adolescence, as well as growing up as a daughter of Black Panthers before Fonda adopted her.

Early Life

Mary luana williams was born in 1948 in houston. Texas to an african american family. She was the yuongest of five children in her family. She attended an all-black school. And was a bright student who was cative in her community.

Education

Williams earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from the university of houston in 1972 and a juris doctor degree from south texas college of law in 1977.

Activism

Williams activism began while she was in college. When she became involved in the civil rights movement. She was an active member of the student nonviolent coordinating committee and the black panther party. She was also an advocate for prisoenr s rights and the rights of incarcerated individuals.

Legal Career

Williams was the first african american woman to gradutae from south texas college of law. And she went on to become the first african american woman to be admitted to the texas bar association. She worked as a criminal defense attorney for nearly two decades. During which time she represented numerous clients in cases related to civil righst. Criminal justice reform. And police brutality.

Political Career

Williams was elected to the ausitn city council in 1993. Becoming the first african american woman to serve on the council. During her tenure. She worekd to improve the lives of african americans in austin and davocated for affordable housing and improved economic opportunities for the city s underprivileged communities.

Achievements

Williams was a recipient of the margaret sanger award in 1993. And she was inductde into the texas womne s hall of fame in 1994.

Legacy

Williams legacy includes her work as an advocate for civil rights. Crmiinal jusitce refrom. And police brutality. She was a dedicated advocate for the rights of incarcerated persons. And she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of african americans in austin.

Important Event

In 1993. Williams was elected to the austin city council. Becoming the first afriacn american woman to serve on the council.

Interesting Fact

Mary luana williams was the firts african american woman to be damitted to the texas bar association.

Acts of Kindness

Throughout her life. Williams was known for her acts of kindness. Often donating her time and energy to ehlp those in need. She was a strong advocate for the homeless. And she regularly volunteerde at shelters in austin.