Rep. Jewell Williams brings a distinguished record of community activism to the House. He has worked tirelessly for more than 30 years on behalf of residents. His genuine interest and concern for ordinary people has been one of the hallmarks of his outstanding career.

During the 1970s, Rep. Williams spearheaded the petitioning of the city of Philadelphia to provide more affordable housing for the poor. Faced with little support as the city was struggling to find solutions for violent youth gangs, he took a bold step and founded the Susquehanna Neighborhood Advisory Council (SNAC) and served as its Executive Director. Under his leadership, SNAC founded a town watch program, the North Philadelphia Community Care Coalition and various advocacy programs for youth and senior citizens. Soon after, he founded the organization's community festival, which is one of the city’s largest neighborhood festivals, attracting thousands of people across the East Coast, and which has become a featured venue of national recording artists and entertainment.

In 1986, Rep. Williams graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy, and joined the Temple University Police Department, while also serving as the university's Community Liaison. In 1994, he accepted the position of Chief of Criminal Operations for the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office and, in November 2000, won his election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to serve the 197th Legislative District.

In the state House, Rep. Williams has introduced important legislation for the protection and advocacy of senior citizens, and has co-sponsored many measures to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.

In the 2008-09 legislative session, Williams' proposal to expand Philadelphia's tourism outreach, as well as increase funding for efforts to expand the Pennsylvania Convention Center, was signed into law. The law allows the city to tax hotel room rentals up to 1.5 percent, which is deposited into a special account dedicated solely to promoting the city and improving the convention center.

In the 2009-10 session, Williams successfully guided his bill aimed at fixing Philadelphia's pension crisis into law, as the city was on the verge of financial collapse and facing widespread lay-offs. It also provided statewide relief to municipalities recovering from losses that happened in a weak national economy.

During his tenure, he has gained the respect of his colleagues as a true ambassador and coalition builder. Currently, he serves as Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus. He also serves on the following committees: Urban Affairs, where he is Chairman of the Subcommittee on First-Class Cities; Children and Youth; and Aging and Older Adult Services, where he is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Programs and Appropriations. He is Chairman of the Philadelphia Delegation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Rep. Williams is the Democratic Ward Leader of the 16th Ward of the Democratic City Committee in Philadelphia, and Vice Chairman of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators Rules Committee.

Rep. Williams is a recipient of numerous awards and commendations for his community service. He has addressed a number of diverse audiences throughout his legislative career, whether they are low income, working class or affluent, and sought to empower them academically, professionally and financially.

He is a Master Mason of the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons - 33rd Degree, Grand Inspector General of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation - Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry – Northern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Grand Lodge Officer on Government Relations, Past Master of Hiram Lodge No. 5, a Shriner and Past Potentate. Rep. Williams is an active member of the NAACP and serves on numerous independent boards, councils and community organizations. He is the father of three children.