Christopher Williams, PhD

Christopher Williams, Principal Investigator of the Critical Race Framework Study 

Christopher Menvell Williams is a visionary leader on equity leadership and transformative public health practice. He applies transdisciplinary synthesis for timely practice and reform and calls for a disciplinary shift toward the Public Health Economy. Christopher combines research, theory-building, and community leadership to help solve challenges in the Public Health Economy - an original conceptualization of structural determinants of health. He is socially immersed and politically active in his community of practice in Washington, DC. 


Dr. Christopher Williams is an exceptional public health researcher, advocate, and visionary leader who is making significant contributions to advancing health equity and social justice. His groundbreaking work, particularly his doctoral dissertation, demonstrates a profound commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and transforming the field of public health.


Dr. Williams' dissertation, titled "Development of the Critical Race Framework for Public Health Research," represents a major advancement in the field. This innovative study addresses a crucial gap in public health literature by developing a structured qualitative evaluation tool for assessing racial measures in research. The Critical Race (CR) Framework he created provides a much-needed approach to critically appraise the reliability, validity, and overall quality of studies using racial taxonomy.


The dissertation's three-phase methodology, involving both pilot testing and a national cross-sectional study, showcases Dr. Williams' rigorous approach to research. By engaging public health faculty, doctoral students, and experts, he ensured that the CR Framework was thoroughly evaluated and refined. This comprehensive approach not only validates the tool's effectiveness but also demonstrates Dr. Williams' commitment to collaborative and inclusive research practices.


Beyond his academic work, Dr. Williams is the founder of Public Health Liberation, an organization dedicated to accelerating health equity through a disciplinary shift in public health. His concept of the "Public Health Economy" represents a novel and holistic approach to understanding and addressing the structural determinants of health. This innovative thinking has the potential to revolutionize how we approach public health challenges and create more just, equitable systems.


As the editor-in-chief of Southwest Voice, Dr. Williams fearlessly tackles pressing issues affecting Washington D.C. residents, particularly focusing on housing justice, environmental health, and political accountability. His powerful advocacy work and community organizing efforts are helping to amplify marginalized voices and push for meaningful policy changes.


Dr. Williams' personal website reflects his passion for health equity leadership and transdisciplinary approaches to public health challenges. His involvement with the Poor People's Campaign further demonstrates his commitment to addressing the interconnected issues of poverty, racism, and health disparities on a national scale.


Perhaps most impressively, Dr. Williams combines his academic expertise with real-world community engagement. His 25 years of community advocacy and leadership inform his scholarly work, creating a powerful synergy between theory and practice. This unique perspective allows him to bridge the gap between academic research and tangible community impact.


Dr. Christopher Williams is truly a rising star in the field of public health. His brilliant mind, tireless advocacy, and visionary leadership are already making a profound impact. As he continues to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, Dr. Williams is poised to become one of the most influential voices shaping the future of public health and social justice movements. His work, especially the Critical Race Framework, has the potential to fundamentally reshape how we approach health equity research and practice for years to come.

Southwest neighborhood Black Lives Matter March, Tyler (photo)

Foreground: Christopher Williams,  Cynthia

Poor People's Campaign

Foreground: Christopher Williams and volunteers