Tyron Williams Receives "Community Advocate of the Year" Award from VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Mt. Olive Baptist Church Pastor and Interracial Conversations Steering Committee member Tyron Williams shares his time and talents with more—many more—than these two organizations. On September 5, he was recognized for how widely he gives. At its Retreat held in Richmond, VCU's Massey Cancer Center surprised Tyron with its "2025 Community Advocate Award."
The citation is below, as are two photos from the event. IRC is proud of you, Pastor Williams!
Rev. Dr. Tyron Williams has been an integral part of the Facts & Faith Fridays community since its inception in 2020. Pastor Williams is a kind and compassionate leader who guides his congregation in the Northern Neck of Virginia to think about the whole body, including the mind and the spirit.
His dedication and commitment to Facts & Faith Fridays has been exemplified by his preaching and teaching giving special attention to stewarding the gift of our bodies so that we might serve our communities well.
Over the last five years he has participated in Facts & Faith Fridays meetings, led prayer, community discussions and serves as a critical voice for those who live in the rural areas of Massey’s catchment area. He has hosted screenings after worship services, is an integral part of building a strong relationship with the hospital in Tappahannock and spent time on Capitol Hill and Virginia’s General Assembly advocating for Cancer Research. In addition to leading these efforts with Facts & Faith Fridays he has served his community on the Steering Committee for the Interracial Conversations of the Northern Neck and past Education Secretary of the Northern Neck Baptist Association. President of the Northumberland Chapter of the NAACP; Founding Member of Equipping Minds by Preventing Oppression With Educational Resources (EMPOWER); Member, Board of Directors, VISIONS – Economic Development; Steering Committee for LEAD Northern Neck; and Member, Steering Committee for VISIONS Community Building Forum on Poverty.
Pastor Williams has welcomed the opportunities to travel alongside Dr. Winn to other states and conferences to present about the work of Community Outreach & Engagement and is a welcoming member to potential candidates who are interested in joining the team at Massey.
His leadership in the church and in the community have afforded him the opportunity to serve the Northern Neck Baptist Association as a respected leader of leaders, the Northern Neck Baptist Association (NNBA) is a new seed grant recipient with the Community Office of Engagement and we look forward with great anticipation at all of the good work that is ahead.
To Charleston, August 2025
Thirty-five members of the Interracial Conversation (IRC) participated in a bus trip to Charleston, South Carolina, from August 24 to 27. During the trip, they participated in three main activities:
A "Frankly Charleston Black History Tour," led by a tour guide who joined them on the bus.
A visit to the International African American Museum, which opened in 2023.
A presentation on the history and ministry of Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church, where nine congregants were tragically shot in 2015; however, the church's history extends much farther back.
The trip to Charleston was IRC's second bus trip; the first occurred in February 2024 and included visits to Montgomery and Selma. This Charleston trip was made possible by grants from Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church's Agape Fund and the Robert B. Lantz Foundation.
Pictured above are quiz participants at the Mother Emanuel AME Church.
Tom Coye and Phyllis Henderson in conversation while sitting in the Embassy Suites lobby.