505 Inside a Black Independent School | Pat Williams, The Imani School

Have you contemplated sending your student to an all-Black
school? Patricia Hogan Williams is Head of the Imani School, the
largest black independent school in the U.S. Founded in 1988, the
school serves 100% African American students and emphasizes
faith, confidence, and self-belief. Williams highlights the
importance of setting high expectations and providing a nurturing
environment that fosters academic excellence and self-worth. The
school's curriculum includes African American history and
literature, aiming to instill pride and competence in students.
Williams stresses the critical role of education in empowering
black children and the need for intentionality in their learning
environment. 





ABOUT PATRICIA HOGAN WILLIAMS


A graduate of Fisk University, Patricia Hogan Williams has more
than 40 years of experience as an educator with students from
preschool classrooms to university campuses. She is the Founding
Head and Executive Director of The Imani School — now the largest
independent, predominantly African American private Christian
school in the nation, serving students from preschool through
eighth grade. Williams continues to be the driving force behind
the school’s progression, prevailing at the school’s helm since
1988. The institution has grown to include more than 350 students
across pre-kinder, elementary, and middle school grade levels,
receiving national and international recognition for its success
in developing self-confidence and academic excellence in
African-American children.


Mrs. Williams also serves as an adjunct professor in Child
Development at Texas Southern University, where she helps sow
into the next generation of educators. For her commitment to
improving the lives of children and youth, Williams has received
numerous honors and awards including: U.S. News and World
Report’s “Twelve Indispensable Americans''; “Current History
Maker” by KHOU –TV; the Distinguished Woman Award from Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated; Wheeler Avenue Baptist
Church’s Audrey A. Lawson Impact Award winner; the American Heart
Association Award of Excellence as well as its Outstanding
Educator Award; the National Association for Financial Assistance
to Minority Students’ Outstanding Educator Award; Links, Inc.
Western Area for Outstanding Services to Youth; Texas Southern
University Award for Excellent Service; and the Community Service
Award from the Top Ladies of Distinction.


Williams is the wife of Attorney Connie B. Williams, and the
proud mother of three sons, Brian, founder of Step Afrika, the
first professional company dedicated to the tradition of
stepping; Christopher, owner of Lucille’s Hospitality Group,
which includes nationally acclaimed restaurant Lucille’s and its
non-profit Lucille’s 1913; and Benjamin, the co-owner of Highway
Vodka, the country’s first of its kind spirit crafted with hemp
seed.


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