Walter Williams was an American economist, author, and professor known for his work in the fields of economics and public policy. He was born on March 31, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and earned his Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University. Williams was a prominent advocate for free-market principles and often critiqued government intervention in the economy. Throughout his career, Williams wrote numerous books and articles, contributing to discussions on race, poverty, and economic freedom. He served as a professor of economics at George Mason University and was a regular columnist for various publications, where he shared his insights on economic issues and social policies.