John A. Williams was an American author and educator, known for his contributions to African American literature. Born on February 5, 1925, in Jackson, Mississippi, he wrote several novels, essays, and short stories that explored themes of race, identity, and social justice. His notable works include The Man Who Cried I Am and Sorrow Is the Only Faithful One. In addition to his writing, Williams was a professor at various universities, including Rutgers University and University of Massachusetts Amherst. He played a significant role in mentoring young writers and promoting African American literature throughout his career. Williams passed away on February 3, 2015.