Black History Today: Todd Williams Jr., an artist forged in fire

Black History Today, created by Marcus Harden in honor of Black History Month, pays tribute to the living legacy of Black history in our community and beyond and recognizes the people among us who are boldly shaping the future.

“Anything’s possible, you gotta dream like you never seen obstacles.”

— J.Cole

By Marcus Harden

The beautiful thing about artists and creators is that they curate a world that is, narrate a world that was, and dream of a world that can still be.

The truest artists don’t just create for others — they recreate themselves, again and again, allowing their art to grow as they grow. And maybe the greatest gift they give us is this:

Permission to grow with them.

That’s what it feels like to watch someone you love step fully into who they’re becoming.

Todd Corleone is an artist. A creator. A builder of worlds.

But I’ve had the privilege of knowing Todd Williams Jr. — Toddy to me. And that matters.

He’s one of New Haven, Connecticut’s finest exports — a city that symbolizes light, covenant, and harbor: a protected place built on faith, law, and learning. A city where belief and resistance share the same streets.

In 1839, Africans aboard La Amistad revolted against enslavement and were imprisoned in New Haven, a fight that ended with a Supreme Court ruling declaring they were illegally enslaved and should be freed.

That happened in his city.

And for over a decade now, he’s been in this city — plying his trade as an artist, a community servant, and someone who lives his art out loud.

Forged by fire, he’s lived the creed that only those bold enough to chase their dreams are fortunate enough to catch them. He doesn’t just want the best for his own life; he wants the best for others — and that posture shapes how he creates, how he speaks, how he inspires.

Whether mentoring young people, serving as a community resource advocate, or performing on stages like Dreamville or Bumbershoot, he allows both his presence and the present of his artistry to lift others.

He’s overcome so much, like so many of our young people. And while he’s fallen, he’s never allowed himself to stay down.

When I see Todd’s courage and creative clarity, I don’t just see talent. I see inheritance. A lineage shaped by intellect, faith, and the audacity to claim freedom — and then help free others.

And I’m proud. Not just of the artist the world sees, but of the young man I’ve watched grow. He may be his biggest critic, but as I remind him often, he has an entire Todd fan club — Corleone and Williams alike.

It’s beautiful how art imitates life.

And among many reasons, that’s why he is indeed, Black History Today.