BGNN Black History Month feature: Q & A with Moriah K. Cheatham Williams

PHOTO PROVIDED

How long you have lived in Barberton? 

“I was born and raised in Barberton. I moved just outside the City in 2021, but it’s still home to me. I plan to move back as soon as the timing is right for my family.”

Do you have roots in Barberton?

“My whole family is from Barberton, and many of us still live here. My dad, Ken Cheatham, comes from the Cheatham and Grayson families. They are two of the oldest Black families in town. My mom, Cynthia Cheatham, has also lived here since she was a little girl. We all have fond memories of growing up in Barberton. The City has changed over the years, but it still feels like the same special place to us. That’s why we stay — we want to improve the City we love and see it thrive.”

How would you describe yourself in three sentences (a short biography)?

“I am a proud product of Barberton who went on to become a first-generation attorney in my family and a leader in our community. My drive has led me to earn notable awards, honors, and has given me opportunities that I don’t take for granted, but what’s most important to me is my family and our community. I hope that people see me as someone who cares about creating sustainable change and making our City a better place for everyone.”

Who was an inspiration to you throughout life?

“There are so many people who have impacted and inspired me, but my biggest inspiration now is my daughter, Naomi. After the heartbreak of losing my son, Jericho, her life is a gift that drives me to be my very best every single day. I want to build a bright future for her, and all the kids in our City. They deserve it.”

What involvement do you have in the Barberton community?

“I serve as Chair of the Barberton Community Foundation and a member of the Barberton Community Improvement Corporation. I’m a life-long member of the Community Holiness Church and a volunteer for the future HOPE Community Center. I serve the Barberton City School District as a volunteer every opportunity that I have. I try to show up for Barberton every way I can — even through my board service with the Red Cross, United Way, and Akron Bar Association.”

Do you feel Barberton is an inclusive community?

“Barberton is ahead of many other towns when it comes to inclusivity, but we aren’t there yet. While I’m proud of the steps we’ve taken, we still have real work to do to make sure everyone has a seat at the table. My goal is to keep pushing our City to be as fair and welcoming as it can possibly be.”

If Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today and came to Barberton, what do you think he would say about the community? 

“Dr. King would recognize that Barberton is a beloved community, but he would also remind us that we cannot be satisfied while any neighbor is left behind. To me, this means we need to look at the systems in our City to make sure they work for everyone. We have to address the policies and rules that make it harder for Barberton families to get ahead and help one another when we can.”

If you could have dinner with any influential figure from Black history, who would it be and why?

“If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be activist Dorothy Height. She was a brilliant leader who understood that a strong community starts with a strong family, something near and dear to my heart. She also believed that every single person is entitled to their civil rights, a core value that shapes my beliefs.”