Keith Williams (Alabama)
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Keith Williams ran for election to the Birmingham City Council to represent District 6 in Alabama. He lost in the general election on August 26, 2025.
Williams completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2025
See also: City elections in Birmingham, Alabama (2025)
General election
General election for Birmingham City Council District 6
Incumbent Crystal Smitherman defeated Keith Williams in the general election for Birmingham City Council District 6 on August 26, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Crystal Smitherman (Nonpartisan) | 82.3 | 2,605 | |
 | Keith Williams (Nonpartisan)  | 17.7 | 561 | |
| Total votes: 3,166 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Williams in this election.
2021
See also: City elections in Birmingham, Alabama (2021)
General election
General election for Birmingham City Council District 6
Incumbent Crystal Smitherman defeated Keith Aaron and Keith Williams in the general election for Birmingham City Council District 6 on August 24, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Crystal Smitherman (Nonpartisan) | 66.6 | 2,374 | |
| Keith Aaron (Nonpartisan) | 28.6 | 1,021 | ||
| Keith Williams (Nonpartisan) | 4.8 | 172 | |
| Total votes: 3,567 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2019
See also: City elections in Birmingham, Alabama (2019)
General election
Special general election for Birmingham City Council District 6
The following candidates ran in the special general election for Birmingham City Council District 6 on October 8, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Crystal Smitherman (Nonpartisan) | 51.5 | 1,287 | |
| Onoyemi Williams (Nonpartisan) | 15.2 | 380 | ||
| Carlos Chaverst (Nonpartisan) | 14.0 | 349 | ||
| LaTanya Millhouse (Nonpartisan) | 10.6 | 265 | ||
| Clarence Muhammad (Nonpartisan) | 5.1 | 127 | ||
| Willine Body (Nonpartisan) | 2.0 | 50 | ||
| Keith Williams (Nonpartisan) | 1.6 | 41 | |
| Total votes: 2,499 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2017
The city of Birmingham, Alabama, held elections for mayor and city council on August 22, 2017. A runoff was held on October 3, 2017. The filing deadline for candidates who wished to run in this election was July 7, 2017.
Incumbent Sheila Tyson defeated Keith Mims and Keith Williams in the Birmingham City Council District 6 general election.[1]
| Birmingham City Council, District 6 General Election, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Sheila Tyson Incumbent |
79.49% | 3,140 |
| Keith Mims | 15.19% | 600 |
| Keith Williams | 5.32% | 210 |
| Total Votes | 3,950 | |
| Source: City of Birmingham, "General Election Results," August 29, 2017 | ||
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Keith Williams completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Williams' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m a grassroots advocate and community servant running for Birmingham City Council District 6. I’ve spent years listening to people—not just speaking at them. My background is rooted in faith, justice, and working alongside everyday residents to navigate complex issues like housing, public safety, economic inequity, and access to mental health services.
I believe in a vision where These Dry Bones Will Live Again—where neglected neighborhoods are restored, and trust in local government is rebuilt. That’s why my campaign theme is Breathing Life into Birmingham’s Future.
I operate by the ACT framework: Accountability through action, not just talk. Community through common ground and unity. Transparency that informs, educates, and transforms.
District 6 deserves a leader who brings both clarity and compassion—someone who will do the work, not just perform the role. I’m not here for photo ops or political favor—I’m here to lay a new foundation that lifts people up and builds something better.- In District 6, we’ve heard enough promises. I’m running to bring real accountability through action. That means showing up, following through, and doing the hard work to deliver for our neighborhoods—not after the cameras leave, but every day. People deserve leaders who don’t just talk solutions but live them out with integrity and consistency. My record as a grassroots advocate proves I don’t wait for permission to serve—I get involved and get results.
- I believe the only way forward is together. District 6 is diverse and full of voices ready to be heard. My platform is built on creating space where people can speak up, find common ground, and shape solutions with their neighbors—not have decisions made for them. I want to see a district where community meetings aren’t staged performances but real conversations that influence real change. Unity starts with trust, and trust starts with listening.
- When government is open and honest, people feel empowered. That’s why transparency is at the heart of my campaign. From city budgets to neighborhood plans, residents deserve to know what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how it impacts them. I’ll work to open up city hall and give people the tools to make informed decisions. When we inform and educate, we ignite transformation. That’s how we breathe life into Birmingham’s future.
I’m passionate about public safety, economic justice, and equitable investment. Safety isn’t just police—it’s mental health access, youth programs, clean parks, and well-lit streets. I fight for small businesses, especially those rooted in our community. I support policies that create jobs, expand housing, and strengthen education. I lead with ACT: Accountability through action, Community through common ground, and Transparency that transforms. Policy should serve people—plain and simple.
The Birmingham City Council is where policy meets the people. This office is unique because it serves as the direct link between city government and everyday residents. As the legislative body, the council not only passes laws but also oversees the city budget, allocates resources, and holds departments accountable. For District 6, this role is even more critical—our communities are calling for renewal, reinvestment, and real leadership. The council shapes public safety, housing, infrastructure, and youth engagement. It’s where the vision for Birmingham becomes reality. With the right leadership, this office can serve as a foundation for equity, transformation, and local empowerment across the state.
I look up to my Pastor, Rev. Perry Goins Jr., and my spiritual counselor, Bishop Thomas L. Blanding. Their example of servant leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to community inspires me daily. They teach that true leadership is about lifting others up, speaking truth with love, and standing firm for justice—even when it’s difficult. I strive to follow their example by being grounded in faith, rooted in service, and focused on building unity and hope in District 6.
I often reflect on Ezekiel 37, the vision of the valley of dry bones. It’s a reminder that even when systems feel lifeless or broken, they can live again with breath—vision, unity, and purpose. That scripture shapes my political philosophy: communities can rise when we act with accountability, stand on common ground, and lead with transparency. I also recommend The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois. It’s an honest look at the struggle and dignity of Black communities—a powerful reminder that policy must honor people’s lived realities. I lead from that place: informed by history, guided by faith, and committed to transformation.
I bring consistency, integrity, and a deep commitment to service. As a grassroots advocate, I show up and listen first, then act with accountability. I’m grounded in community — I seek common ground to build unity, not division. Transparency guides me, because people deserve clear, honest communication. I’m not here for politics as usual; I’m here to rebuild trust and deliver real results. My faith and lived experience fuel my dedication to fight for District 6 every day.
An elected official must be accountable—not just in words, but in action. They should show up, listen, and follow through. Community should always come first. That means finding common ground, not chasing personal spotlight. Transparency is also key—it’s not just about sharing information but making sure people understand decisions that affect their lives. Integrity, humility, and service should guide everything. I believe leadership is not about power—it’s about partnership with the people. That’s how trust is built and real change begins.
I want to leave a legacy of renewal and hope — a District 6 that rose from neglect to become a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. A community rebuilt on accountability, unity, and transparency, where leaders truly serve the people. I hope to inspire future generations to believe that even the most broken systems can be transformed when we act together with purpose and honesty. My goal is to breathe life into Birmingham’s future, proving that these dry bones can and will live again.
I was born in 1974, so one of the first historical events I remember clearly is the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. I was about 15 years old at the time. That moment symbolized hope, change, and the power of people coming together to break down barriers. It made a lasting impression on me about the importance of freedom, unity, and fighting for a better future — themes that continue to guide my work and my campaign today.
At 11 years old, I landed my very first job bagging groceries at a small local store in the UAB area. It was a summer job, but it taught me a lot early on—showing up on time, working with people, and earning an honest dollar. Even though I was just a kid, I saw firsthand the value of community and hard work. That experience still shapes how I approach service and responsibility today.
My favorite book is Native Son by Richard Wright. It’s a powerful exploration of systemic racism, poverty, and the challenges faced by Black communities. The book forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and the impact of injustice. It’s shaped how I see the need for honest conversations and real action to address inequality. Native Son inspires me to fight for a future where everyone in District 6 has the opportunity to thrive and be truly seen.
If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. He stands for justice, integrity, and doing what’s right—even when it’s hard or unpopular. Atticus listens, learns, and fights for fairness in his community, which reflects the kind of leadership I want to bring to District 6. His calm strength and commitment to truth inspire me to lead with both courage and compassion.
The last song that got stuck in my head was “Another Day in Paradise” by Commissioned. It’s a powerful reminder of the struggles many people face every day and the need for compassion and action. The message resonates with my commitment to serve those in our community who are often overlooked or left behind.
One of my biggest struggles has been overcoming the feeling of being overlooked or unheard—whether as a young person growing up in a community facing disinvestment, or later as an advocate trying to make sure everyday voices mattered in city decisions. That experience taught me the importance of persistence and showing up, even when the odds feel stacked against you. It’s fueled my passion to fight for accountability, community, and transparency so no one in District 6 feels forgotten or ignored again.
Yes. Most people don’t realize that under the Mayor-Council Act, the City Council holds the legislative power to approve budgets, create ordinances, and oversee city agencies. While the mayor executes, the council decides. Also, the council appoints members to boards that shape everything from zoning to housing. From the Greek root politikē, politics means “affairs of the people”—and that’s what this office is about. It's not about power plays; it's about public service, policy, and people. Unfortunately, that original purpose has been lost. I believe more residents need to know how much power their councilmember has to shape the daily life of our city and restore trust through accountability, community, and transparency.
Experience can help—but only if it’s paired with integrity, accountability, and real connection to the people. What matters most is not titles held, but whether someone understands the role of a public servant. I’ve worked alongside residents, advocated from the ground up, and held leadership accountable. That lived experience matters. We need leaders who are not just politically experienced, but people-experienced—those who know how to engage the community, build trust, and make transparent decisions. If politics is truly about the people, then those closest to the people should help lead the way. That’s the kind of experience I bring, and that’s the kind of leadership District 6 deserves.
The most helpful skills for a city councilmember include listening with humility, communicating clearly, and understanding how systems work—from city budgets to zoning laws. But beyond that, a heart for service is key. You need the skill to bring people together across differences, take action that reflects community input, and make decisions that are transparent and just. Expertise in public policy, strategic planning, and local governance is important—but so is the ability to walk the neighborhoods, hear what’s unsaid, and respond with real solutions. District 6 doesn’t just need paperwork proficiency—we need people proficiency. That’s the kind of skillset I bring to this office.
The Birmingham City Council is more than a legislative body—it’s the closest link between local government and the people. What makes this office unique is its power to shape everyday life: funding parks, fixing roads, ensuring public safety, and holding city agencies accountable. It’s where policy meets the pavement. This office allows for direct engagement with residents, offering a platform to bring real voices into decision-making. It’s also a watchdog for transparency and budget use, rooted in the Mayor-Council Act. A city councilmember must balance policy knowledge with the ability to build unity through common ground—because transformation only happens when the community is at the table.
Why don’t squirrels ever get distracted?
Because they’re always nuts about staying focused!
Alabama Cannabis Coalition
Financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. As a grassroots advocate, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when communities are left in the dark—resources get misused, and trust is broken. That’s why my campaign is built on the ACT framework: Accountability means action, not just words; Community means building unity through common ground; and Transparency means informing and educating the public in a way that transforms systems. Budgets are moral documents. Taxpayers deserve to know how their dollars are spent—and more importantly, they deserve to be included in those decisions. As a city councilor, I will champion open data, public reporting, and clear communication at every level.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2021
Keith Williams completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Williams' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Keith Oscar Williams is an associate minister at St Mark Missionary Baptist Church, counselor, author, and freelance web designer. He is also a community activist and officer of the North Titusville Neighborhood Association.
Williams graduated from Parker High School in 1992 and earned a degree in finance at Alabama State University in 1996. He founded his Greater Works Business Services web design firm in 1998. During the Gulf War, Williams served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort McClellan. and enrolled at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He founded Great I Am Ministries Outreach International in 2003 and graduated from Liberty in 2008. He has also taken on-line courses in biblical studies from Grace and Truth Bible Institute and completed a certification as a counseling practitioner from Achology: The Academy of Modern Applied Psychology.
Since returning to Birmingham in 2016, Williams has worked as a sales associate at Wal-Mart and Lowe's and volunteered with Junior Achievement through his involvement at True Light Missionary Baptist Church. As a community activist he co-founded the Voters Legal Justice Watch Group and is a member of Faith in Action Alabama, Our Revolution Birmingham, the Poor People's Campaign, Alabama Arise, Neighborhood Advocates for Justice, and Birmingham United Neighborhoods. He also participated in pushing for the 35th Avenue Superfund Site to be included on the National Priorities List.- Investing in people and investing in our communities
- Not just talking, but I am ready to ACT (accountability, community engagement, and transparency)
- Doing things differently for a different result
Finding innovated ways to address crime in our communities by revamping the police department, creating an independent citizens police review board to measure accountability, offer alternative methods of policing (e.g. community policing, problem solving policing, Cure Violence Model, violence interruption/intervention), and addressing the root cause of crime.
Advocating for developers to utilize vacant properties to build affordable homes, businesses, shops and restaurants, community gardens, parks and greenspaces, and entertainment venues. I will push the city council to make funding available for infrastructure (e.g. roads, sidewalks, lighting, and addressing blight and dilapidation).
Learning how the government works, knowing the system and the law to identify the problems so they can be changed, the ability to research as a means to hold people accountable, and having a relationship with all constitutional officers from local to federal.
The person I look up to is former North Titusville President John C. Harris because he's a perfect example of being intelligent without going to college. He taught me about government and politics. I consider him to be a mentor because he shown me how to get things done.
Richard Wright, Black Boy; William Mitchell and Thomas Fazi, Reclaiming the State: A Progressive Vision of Sovereignty for a Post-Neoliberal World; Carol Chetkovich and Frances Kunreuther, From the Ground Up: Grassroots Organizations Making Social Change; The Black Agenda Paperback
by Dr. Nathan & Dr. Julia Hare; The Black Agenda: Bold Solutions for a Broken System Hardcover – February 1, 2022
Integrity, accountability, transparency, stewardship, and community involvement are the most vital principles of any elected official. To be able to dismantle the establishment with inclusion, justice, and opportunity for everyone. To have the courage to stand and the willingness to fight, even if you are alone, standing up for what is right should always be top priority.
Integrity, accountability, transparency, stewardship, research and investigation, advocacy, and moral servantitude.
Advocate, legislate, pass a balance budget
I would like to be a person people can say that I listen to them, I am a fighter and will not
In 1979, I witness the first total darkness during the daytime that lasted for several hours. I was five years old at the time it happened.
My first job was a newspaper carrier, an independent contractor with the Birmingham News. I was 11 at the time and served in that capacity for 13 years.
Native Son by Richard Wright is my favorite book because it reminds me if what is wrong with America. A black man trying to survive in a world that doesn't accept him. He's afraid of his interactions with people that don't look like him. When he gets into trouble, he knows society will condemn him. His only way to escape is run away.
I would like to be Superman who share spiritual characteristics of Jesus Christ, to save us from ourselves a fight of neverending truth and justice for all regardless of who we are or what we have/haven't done.
His Love - The Clark Sisters
As a veteran in the Army, I do suffer from PTSD and bipolar depression. With the right help, I am able to manage it with ease.
The city council have the ability to investigate any city department, board/agency, or official for the purpose of inquiry and transparency
The city council can vote on ordinances and resolutions that have been created by the people.
The city council can vote on ordinances and resolutions that have been created by the people.
Although it's not necessary to have any government or political experience, a candidate should have some knowledge of the two with a track record of ongoing service to the community/city.
Someone who have a sense of judgement and stewardship, being able to research the facts, the ability to be an active listener, and to who empathy and compassion. This person must be honest and word and action, having integrity, transparency, and accountability. This person must also be a servant seeking nothing in return.
Why your coffee tastes so good? Because Hebrews it.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2019
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Keith Williams did not complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
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Candidate Birmingham City Council District 6 |
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Footnotes
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