Ted Williams III

Dr. Ted Williams III is a passionate educator, actor and author. He earned a B.A. from Rutgers University, an M.P.P. from the University of Chicago and a D.Min. from Northern Seminary. He teaches political science and is chairman of the social sciences department at Kennedy-King College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. He is also an adjunct professor at Wheaton College and previously taught at Chicago State University. Dr. Williams is the former host of WYCC-PBS's public affairs talk show, "The Professors," and has provided political commentary for WGN-TV, NBC-TV and the program, "Upfront with Jesse Jackson," among other media outlets.

As an actor, Dr. Williams has appeared in commercials for Subway, Cheerios and Empire Carpet; in the films "Human Zoos" and "The Christmas Thief"; and on NBC's "Chicago PD" and Showtime's "The Chi." He is a contributor to the Third World Press text "Not My President"; creator of the production, "TORN the Musical"; and author of the book, "The Way Out: Christianity, Politics, and the Future of the African American Community." His justice-infused artistic work has been funded by the Illinois Arts Council, Illinois Humanities and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Dr. Williams is a former candidate for the Chicago City Council and creator of the production, "1619: The Journey of a People," which was nominated for the 2020 August Wilson Award for Best Writing of a Musical by the Black Theater Alliance Awards. In 2021, he launched the 1619 Musical Chicago Public Schools arts-integrated educational program.

Dr. Williams is an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar and was appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to serve on the Illinois Reparations Commission. He has led numerous civic engagement initiatives, provided board leadership for various nonprofits, and is frequently called upon as a speaker and consultant on topics such as social justice, diversity and effective communication. He enjoys biking, dance and watching his favorite team, the Chicago Bears. He and his wife, Roslyn, are raising three beautiful children.