Today we’d like to introduce you to Chenise Lytrelle Williams.
Hi Chenise Lytrelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The African American Women’s History Month Project was born out of gratitude, community, and the powerful influence of the women who helped shape my life.
Growing up in Orlando, Florida, I was surrounded by a village of extraordinary women who poured wisdom, strength, and love into me. They were teachers, mentors, leaders, and quiet warriors who helped guide me through life as a young woman. They taught me how to stand tall, how to serve others, and how to believe in the power of community.
One woman in particular left an indelible mark on my journey—Jackie Perkins, whom I affectionately called “Auntie Jackie.” She opened a Black bookstore in Central Florida, the only one of its kind in the region at the time. But it was far more than a bookstore. It was a cultural hub, a gathering place, and a sanctuary for knowledge, dialogue, and community engagement.
Inside those walls, ideas were exchanged, history was honored, and generations were inspired.
It was in that space, surrounded by books, culture, and community, that the African American Women’s History Month Project was born in 1998.
What began as the Orlando Women’s History Month Project grew from a simple but powerful idea: the women who were quietly building, nurturing, and strengthening our communities deserved to be seen, honored, and celebrated. Too often, the stories of African American women—their leadership, sacrifices, brilliance, and impact—were overlooked. I wanted to help change that.
In 2011, the organization was reorganized and expanded as the African American Women’s History Month Project, Inc., a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our purpose has remained steadfast: to honor “Community Stars” for their contributions to enhancing and sustaining the communities in which we live across the nation.
At a time when so many negative images of our people dominate the media, it is important that we focus on the good. We believe it is essential to highlight extraordinary individuals who are developing programs, building partnerships, mentoring youth, and creating opportunities that foster the positive growth and development of our communities.
It is not enough for us to simply know that there are good people doing extraordinary work. There must be a platform where they are celebrated publicly for their dedication and impact. This program was created to provide that platform.
To date, the project has honored hundreds of women, recognized a few good men and several organizations, provided scholarships to graduating high school seniors and college students, and hosted numerous workshops focused on business empowerment, personal growth, and leadership development.
In 2024, we expanded our reach by creating our first exhibit, “Legacy of Excellence: Phenomenal Black Women in Central Florida,” which I had the honor of curating. The exhibit celebrated the remarkable women whose leadership and service helped shape our communities.
In 2026, I expanded this celebration to include women representing the entire state of Florida—those born here, living here, or whose work has had a lasting impact on communities across the country. Many of these women now reside in places such as California, New York, South Carolina, and Washington, DC, but their roots and influence remain connected to Florida.
This expansion gave rise to our newest exhibit, “The Power of Her Presence: Honoring the Legacy of Black Women in Florida.” The exhibit is open in Orlando at the Women’s and Cultural Center (341 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando) through the end of April. There is a special showing on Saturday, April 25th from 10am – 1pm. It’s an extraordinary experience that everyone should plan to see. The exhibit is dedicated to the phenomenal educator and anthropologist, Dr. Johnnetta Betch Cole who continues to inspire generations. Of the 56 people who are highlighted, the exhibit also features Jacksonville sheroes; Dr. Barbara Darby, Dr. Akilah Jamila Pope, Dr. Chandra Adams, Dr. Barbara McNeely-Bouie, Brenda Jackson, Dr. Norma Solomon White, and The Honorable Barbara Peoples-Waters.
This amazing display of excellence spotlights African American women from across the state whose work, leadership, and commitment continue to shape our communities and our history. Through this platform, we seek to amplify the voices and legacies of trailblazing women whose stories inspire generations to come.
At a time when our contributions are too often overlooked, their light reminds us why this work matters.
Together, we will honor and uplift that brilliance—boldly and beautifully.
The African American Women’s History Month Project remains rooted in its guiding touchstone:
“Celebrating the Lives and Legacy of African Americans.”
For me, this work will always be deeply personal. It is an expression of gratitude for the women who raised me, mentored me, corrected me, and encouraged me along the way.
Women like Auntie Jackie and so many others who showed me that when we uplift one woman, we uplift an entire community.
Their legacy lives on through this work.
And through every woman we celebrate.
— Chenise Lytrelle Williams
Founder, African American Women’s History Month Project, Inc.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been an easy road. Like many nonprofit initiatives, one of the biggest challenges has been securing consistent funding to support our programs and events. Sustaining a project of this magnitude requires resources, partnerships, and a great deal of perseverance.
Another challenge has been maintaining the work of the organization while navigating numerous military moves with my family. My husband served in the United States Army, which required us to relocate to various places throughout the United States and Canada. Despite those moves, I remained committed to keeping the project active and connected to its roots in the Orlando community where it was founded.
While those transitions were not always easy, they ultimately helped strengthen the mission. Over time, the project has continued to grow beyond its original location. What began as a local initiative has expanded to reach broader communities, and today we host programs and activities in various cities. Those experiences reinforced my commitment to honoring and uplifting the extraordinary women who inspire this work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Through the African American Women’s History Month Project, my work focuses on preserving, honoring, and amplifying the stories and contributions of African American women whose leadership and service have strengthened our communities. Our organization specializes in creating meaningful programs, exhibits, and public recognitions that highlight women who are often making extraordinary contributions without widespread recognition.
We are especially known for our Community Stars honors and our curated exhibits, which celebrate the lives, leadership, and lasting impact of African American women. These initiatives allow us to tell powerful stories of resilience, service, and excellence while also educating the broader community about the important roles these women play in shaping our history and our future. Through our programs, workshops, and scholarship initiatives, we also invest in the next generation by encouraging young people—especially young women—to see themselves as leaders and change makers.
One of the things I am most proud of is that this work has grown from a small community-based idea into a platform that has honored hundreds of women and continues to expand across cities and regions. The exhibits, such as Legacy of Excellence: Phenomenal Black Women in Central Florida and The Power of Her Presence: Honoring the Legacy of Black Women in Florida, allow us to preserve stories that might otherwise go untold and ensure that these women’s legacies are visible for generations to come.
What sets this work apart is that it is deeply rooted in community. The women we celebrate are not just historical figures—they are educators, advocates, entrepreneurs, mentors, and leaders who are actively shaping the communities where they live and serve. Our approach blends recognition, storytelling, cultural preservation, and empowerment, creating a space where their contributions are celebrated publicly and their impact is truly honored.
At its core, the project is about shining a light on brilliance that already exists within our communities and making sure those stories are remembered, valued, and shared. That mission continues to guide everything we do.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that every person is unique, and every story comes from a different place. Each woman we honor brings her own experiences, struggles, triumphs, and perspective to the work she does in her community.
Because of that, I have learned to cherish every honoree as a treasure. Their contributions are truly priceless. The work they do—often quietly and without recognition—has a lasting impact on the lives of others and on the communities they serve.
Being able to hear their stories and celebrate their achievements has reminded me that honoring these women is not just about recognition; it is about preserving their legacy and ensuring that their stories continue to inspire generations to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aawhmp.org
- Instagram: @aawhmpinc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAWHMP
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenise-l-williams-mba-jm-4ab675197/
- Youtube: @aawhmpinc.4040
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107192575/
