Marion Williams served his community in many ways, starting as the first black member of the Richmond Common Council in 1970. He held that seat for eighteen years, including a stint as president of the Council. He served seventeen years as a Democratic Precinct Committeeman, was Board Chair of Richmond Power and Light in 1988, and president of the local chapter of the NAACP. His accomplishments were highlighted with such notable occasions as walking along side Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and attending Jimmy Carter’s presidential inauguration.