Marlin, TX Native Harrell D. Williams, Sr. Publishes Two New Insightful Books

Harrell D. Williams, Sr., a proud native of Marlin, Texas, is excited to announce the publication of two important new works under his imprint, Books by Harrell. Born in 1961 and a 1979 graduate of Marlin High School, Williams went on to study at Blinn Junior College and Prairie View A&M University. He has been happily married for 45 years and now resides in Austin.

Both books speak directly to Williams’s passion: celebrating and strengthening the Black church and the legacy of Civil Rights leaders.

1. 50 Reasons Why Many Pews Are Empty in the Black Church — This timely and provocative work explores the cultural, social, and spiritual factors contributing to declining attendance in Black congregations.

A call to action, the book addresses the many shifts and changes that have happened to the black culture over the past 50 years. The intent is to join the many black pastors, ministers, and church leaders in the effort to bring people to Christ by way of understanding modern challenges. As with Christian Civil Rights advocates, Williams believes a “church going” Christian can do a lot to uplift their communities, which pays tribute to the Civil Rights pioneers whose impact continues today.

2. 100 Civil Rights Advocates and Their Church Affiliation — A powerful tribute to 100 influential Civil Rights advocates, this book weaves together personal faith and public advocacy by detailing each individual’s church denomination, membership, and how faith shaped their mission and legacy. Williams feel it is important for black people to remember that the Civil Rights we now enjoy was given to us by black Christians Civil Rights advocates. They met in churches, prayed, planned/strategized, prayed again then went out to fight against the evils of racism on our behalf. It was hard for Williams was unable to find a book that marries the Civil Rights advocates to their church affiliation.

“These works are more than historical documentation,” says Williams.

“They’re an appeal to faith communities to reclaim their spiritual and social relevance in a changing world.”

Both titles are now available for purchase. 50 Reasons Why Many Pews Are Empty in the Black Church retails for $17.50, while 100 Civil Rights Advocates and Their Church Affiliation is available for $10.00 through Books by Harrell and partnering retailers.

Williams continues to engage in a vibrant career as a photographer, videographer, filmmaker, screenwriter, and publisher— all grounded in his dedication to amplify Black voices and uplift the Black church.

About the Author Harrell D. Williams, Sr., born and raised in Marlin, Texas, is a multi-talented creator, storyteller, and publisher. After graduating from Marlin High School in 1979, he attended Blinn Junior College and Prairie View A&M University.

Over the decades, Williams has woven together a career in photography, filmmaking, and publishing, all the while remaining committed to his faith, community, and marriage of over 40 years. https:// booksbyharrell.com About Books by Harrell Based in Austin, Books by Harrell is a boutique publishing house dedicated to empowering Black voices, particularly within the church and social justice spaces. Current and past titles include Williams’s latest releases, with more on the way in 2025.