Although he was unable to secure the lieutenant governor seat, his potential ascension to public advocate has widespread implications for immigrant and communities of color across the city. The self-described activist, has long been a friend to the Haitian community, who comprises a significant portion of his district in central Brooklyn. Williams has been instrumental both in front and behind the scenes of key Haitian-centered initiatives like the Haitian Studies Institute housed at Brooklyn College and the creation of Little Haiti in East Flatbush, and has even been named an “honorary Haitian” by the Haitian Roundtable.