Patricia J. Williams

Patricia J. Williams is the author of The Alchemy of Race and Rights; The Rooster's Egg; and Seeing a ColorBlind Future: The Paradox of Race. She is a also a columnist for The Nation.

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Mobama’s Magnum Opus

The first lady stole the show with an incredible speech in Charlotte. By Patricia J. Williams.

Patricia J. Williams

My Martha's Vineyard Close Encounter

As Obama's holiday ends, longtime summer resident Patricia Williams reflects on vacationing within arm's length of the first family—and Sen. Kennedy's profound effect on this tiny island.

Patricia J. Williams

Obama and the Black Elite

As the first family departs for Martha’s Vineyard, Patricia Williams says the trip illuminates their delicate relationship with the black upper-class—a clubby world of debutantes and BMWs.

Patricia J. Williams

A Persistent Pioneer

Obama’s powerhouse Supreme Court pick will be confirmed, The Daily Beast’s Patricia J. Williams writes. But that doesn’t mean the battle over Sotomayor’s “bullying” temperament and breadth of experience won’t be bruising.

Patricia J. Williams