Portwood Williams Sr. is the most important person in Kanye West’s family background. He was the grandfather of Kanye and an extremely influential individual in the struggle for civil rights. His life had a lasting legacy in his family and the community. Let us find out more about this remarkable person and how he influenced the life of one of today’s most popular artists, Kanye West.
Quick Facts About Portwood Williams
| Full Name | Portwood Williams Sr. |
| Birthdate | 1915 |
| Occupation | Civil rights activist, family patriarch |
| Husband/Wife | Lucille “Chick” Williams (married for 72 years) |
| Died | 2013 |
| Age at Death | 98 years |
| Parents | Not Known |
| Grandchildren | Kanye West |
| Children | Four children, including Dr. Donda West (Kanye West’s mother) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
A Civil Rights Leader
Portwood Williams Sr. was a courageous man who was very active in the civil rights movement. He participated in the Katz Drug Store sit-ins in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1958. This was a sit-in protest against segregation, where Black individuals could not sit at particular counters or dine in specific restaurants. Portwood was one of the very first individuals who drove others to these sit-ins, making him one of the very first activist figures to defend what was just. His move brought forth into the spotlight the unjust treatment the Black population had to endure within the United States.
Portwood’s courage back then is kept in mind by many. He stood up and defended equal rights and demonstrated the fact that any small act of courage can bear significant fruits.
Family and Legacy
Portwood Williams Sr. was in a loving and long marriage to his wife, Lucille Williams. They spent 72 years of married life together. They had four children. One of them, Dr. Donda West, became a very significant individual in Kanye West’s life. Donda was the first Black English department Chair at Chicago State University. She later handled Kanye’s career and made him the superstar that he is today.
Portwood’s family continued to pursue his legacy of leadership, strength, and love. His grandchildren and children are all members of a family that believes in hard work, equality, and education.
Portwood’s Relationship with Kanye West
Portwood Williams Sr. was very close to his grandson, Kanye West. Kanye went to visit him frequently and enjoyed listening to his tales. Portwood liked Kanye’s then-girlfriend, Kim Kardashian, and even referred to her as “just as sweet as she is beautiful.” Portwood left a significant mark on Kanye, and his grandfather’s teachings remained with him all his life.
When Portwood died in 2013 aged 98, Kanye and Kim went to Oklahoma for his funeral. This is an indication of how much Portwood was important to the family. Kanye deeply respected him and maintained his memory alive.
Portwood’s Views on Marriage
Portwood Williams Sr. had a lot of wise things to say regarding life, marriage included. At 97 years old, he was sharing his views on contemporary relationships. He was married to Lucille for 72 years, so he must have believed in lasting love. He worried about the increasing number of divorces and the problems that came with contemporary marriages. Portwood’s views on marriage were informed by his own life, and he would always reminisce about the need to remain committed to family.
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A Caring Grandfather
To his grandchildren, Portwood was “Buddy”. He was a considerate and entertaining grandfather who never had too much time for anything else when his family was around. He felt that family was essential and taught his children and grandchildren many valuable lessons. One of his favorite phrases was, “YOU GOT TO HAVE A STORY.” He wanted his family to have their own stories and live life in a way that was full of courage and significance.
Portwood educated his family on the significance of their legacy and history. He taught them that it takes strength to defend what is right and never to forget the battles of the past. His wisdom and strength rubbed off not just on Kanye West but on countless others in his family.
