The Award
The Community Service Award is presented each year to an individual, corporation or organization in recognition of excellence in service to the community and for efforts on the part of the recipient through their advocacy of issues of workplace equity, abatement of police deviance, and such activities has garnered the positive confidence in the institution of policing to further strong, positive bonds and relationships between police and communities of color.
The Honoree
Rodney Williams is a longtime community advocate, entrepreneur, and mentor whose work has focused on strengthening neighborhoods, expanding economic opportunity, and uplifting underserved communities throughout New Haven. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1966, Williams moved to New Haven in 1976 and has spent most of his life serving the city he proudly calls home. He comes from a large family and is the 11th of 14 children born to his mother, Hattie Ruth Williams, and one of 11 children born to his father, Timothy Williams. Though both of his parents are now deceased, Williams credits them with instilling in him the values of perseverance, hard work, and service to others that continue to guide his life and community work.Throughout his adult life, Williams has combined entrepreneurship with community service. As the owner of Mr. Rock Drywall, Right Way Landscaping, and Green Elm Construction, he has employed hundreds of New Haven residents over the years, helping create jobs and economic opportunity for individuals and families throughout the city. Through these businesses he has also helped provide hands on work experience and opportunities for young people seeking to build skills and stable careers.
Williams has also remained deeply involved in civic leadership and community advocacy. He served as Ward 21 Co Chair for four years and as Vice Chair of the Dixwell Management Team for more than two years, helping address neighborhood concerns and improve local engagement. At the state level he served on Connecticut’s Commission on Economic Competitiveness, contributing to conversations focused on workforce development and expanding economic opportunity. He has also worked alongside civil rights leader Boise Kimber advocating for the well-being of residents across New Haven and has been a strong voice for greater diversity and representation within the New Haven Police Department.
In addition to his advocacy work, Williams has played an active role in strengthening relationships between residents and city leadership. He was appointed by former New Haven Mayor Toni Harp to serve on the city’s Police and Community Relations Task Force, where he worked with community leaders, city officials, and law enforcement representatives to improve communication and build trust. He also helped organize the distribution of more than 100,000 protective masks to residents across New Haven, particularly in housing complexes and neighborhoods most heavily impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic.
Continuing his commitment to youth mentorship and community development, Williams founded the nonprofit Rescuing Our Community Kids, an organization focused on mentoring young people and creating positive pathways through guidance, opportunity, and community support. Through the program he works directly with youth and families, offering mentorship, encouragement, and exposure to constructive opportunities that help young people make positive choices. Most recently, Williams has launched a community initiative aimed at addressing the rise in motor vehicle thefts in New Haven.