Cecil Williams’ 85th Birthday and Life Celebration

Cecil Williams with Janice Mirikitani at his 85th birthday celebration

Cecil Williams‘ 85th Birthday and Life Celebration: Reverend Cecil Williams was celebrated on the occasion of his 85th birthday on September 22, 2014. Hosted by Williams’ wife Janice Mirikitani, along with the board of trustees and executive leadership of the GLIDE Foundation at the Burritt Room and Tavern in San Francisco. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Pam Baer, Willie Brown and Tad Taube were just a few of some 300 celebrators who shared heartfelt tributes to Williams. Supervisor David Chu presented a proclamation in his honor from San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee.

As founder and minister of liberation for Glide Memorial United Methodist Church, since 1963, Reverend Cecil Williams has expanded the limits of spirituality, compassion and diversity in San Francisco. As minister, author, social activist, lecturer, community leader and spokesperson for the poor and marginalized, Reverend Williams is respected and recognized as a national leader on the forefront of change and in the struggle for civil and human rights.

Scenes from Cecil Williams’ 85th Birthday and Life Celebration:

— Related: more Red Carpet Bay Area coverage for GLIDE: