G. Mennen Williams Politician

G. Mennen "Soapy" Williams, (February 23, 1911 – February 2, 1988), was the 41st Governor of Michigan, elected in 1948 and serving six two-year terms in office. He later served as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs under President John F. Kennedy and Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.As assistant secretary of state, his remark that "what we want for the Africans is what they want for themselves," reported in the press as "Africa for the Africans," sparked controversy at the time.Williams was described by the Chicago Tribune as a political reformer who "helped forge the alliance between Democrats, blacks and union voters in the late 1940s that began a strong liberal tradition in Michigan."

Personal facts

Birth date	February 23, 1911
Birth place	Michigan
Religion	Episcopal Church (United States)
Date of death	February 02, 1988
Place of death	Michigan
Education	University of Michigan