Samuel Woodrow Williams (b. 1912 d. 1970) was an educator, minister, civic leader, and civil rights advisor. Williams came to Atlanta in 1947 to teach at his alma mater, Morehouse College. He was Chairman of the Department of Philosophy and Religion from 1947 to 1970. Rev. Williams was an assistant pastor for seven years at Friendship Baptist Church, before he became the pastor in 1954. He remained in that position until his death in 1970. Williams was also quite active in public life. He chaired the Atlanta Community Relations Commission, and was President of the Atlanta Branch of the NAACP, was a founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Council, and participated in the Atlanta bus boycott of 1959.

In addition to personal correspondence, the material in this collection documents the major aspects of Williams' professional life. Among the materials are class records from his years as a student at the University of Chicago, and administrative records generated during his tenure at Morehouse College. Also, included are speeches, sermons, and records of Friendship Baptist Church. Church records consist of financial papers, programs, and church histories. In addition, this collection contains correspondence, financial records and reports of organizations in which Williams was active, including the Atlanta Community Relations Commission, and the Atlanta Summit Leadership Conference.