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Markham Street: The Haunting Truth Behind the Murder of My Brother, Marvin Leonard Williams
"Markham Street" is more than a story about systemic racism, police violence, or brutal murder, although it is all of those. Above all, it is the story of one man's enduring love for his lost brother and his devotion to his grieving parents, who kept silent for two and half decades to protect their seven surviving children.
Through the lens of his then-thriving Black community of Menifee, Ronnie Williams vividly describes the suffocating misery and debasement of Black families who worked in the cotton fields or as domestic help for white families and businesses. He shares in loving detail how his parents made ends meet through constant work and resourcefulness and raised eight children, six of whom became educators like himself. He also shares his memories of the night his brother died, a night when a literal tornado tore apart his home, while only miles away, a tornado of rage and hate tore apart his family.
Most of all, he writes poignantly about his brother Marvin – a prodigy who graduated from high school at the age of 15, Marvin desperately tried to escape the grinding poverty of field labor. He joined the Navy and later the Army, where he became a respected U.S. Paratrooper. At age 20, he was a beloved son, husband, and father. He had a good job, a second child on the way, and a bright future - until the night he was unlawfully arrested on Markham Street and bludgeoned to death by police.
The book resounds with the author's unresolved grief over his brother's terrible death, his righteous determination to get justice for Marvin, and his own remarkable, ground-breaking career in the same city where his brother was killed.
Through the lens of his then-thriving Black community of Menifee, Ronnie Williams vividly describes the suffocating misery and debasement of Black families who worked in the cotton fields or as domestic help for white families and businesses. He shares in loving detail how his parents made ends meet through constant work and resourcefulness and raised eight children, six of whom became educators like himself. He also shares his memories of the night his brother died, a night when a literal tornado tore apart his home, while only miles away, a tornado of rage and hate tore apart his family.
Most of all, he writes poignantly about his brother Marvin – a prodigy who graduated from high school at the age of 15, Marvin desperately tried to escape the grinding poverty of field labor. He joined the Navy and later the Army, where he became a respected U.S. Paratrooper. At age 20, he was a beloved son, husband, and father. He had a good job, a second child on the way, and a bright future - until the night he was unlawfully arrested on Markham Street and bludgeoned to death by police.
The book resounds with the author's unresolved grief over his brother's terrible death, his righteous determination to get justice for Marvin, and his own remarkable, ground-breaking career in the same city where his brother was killed.
296 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 29, 2022
Romans 8:18
This book is very well written. After the tears, anger, and frustration I was able to enjoy the wisdom overflowing through the ink on every page. The ending of the book is powerful, to save the life of the man…..
This book is very well written. After the tears, anger, and frustration I was able to enjoy the wisdom overflowing through the ink on every page. The ending of the book is powerful, to save the life of the man…..
April 1, 2022
I rated this a four. Ronnie Williams doesn’t claim to be a writer. But as a story, I rate it a five. I think it is an important book to read, especially for Arkansans. After hearing Ronnie Williams speak at the Clinton Library last night it made me appreciate the book and the story so much more.
September 8, 2022
This happened in Arkansas. Faulkner County. A place I know well.
Reading about injustice like this that happened (*happens) in a place that I've always called home is heart-wrenching.
Reading about injustice like this that happened (*happens) in a place that I've always called home is heart-wrenching.
March 29, 2023
This was really well written and a compelling story of something that occurred not far from where I live in Arkansas. I'm inspired by the courage and strength of the author especially considering the outcome of how everything went. I don't know how someone could survive what his family did unless they had that intense hold and belief in something bigger than them, their God.
I did find the book occasionally redundant which is the four stars. What I mean by that is the occasional repetitive statements about what life would be like for Black people in the white south then and now. The author speaks truth obviously, but he mentioned it so many times that perhaps he was trying to convince the reader? I'm not sure. Perhaps if someone was not deeply invested in research and studying Black history in the US it would not have felt as redundant.
Lastly I'll state while I'm far from being a fan of the Clinton's, I did find Bill's involvement in this case to be great. No doubt having the governor on your side helped make sure Marvin's true story could be heard.
I did find the book occasionally redundant which is the four stars. What I mean by that is the occasional repetitive statements about what life would be like for Black people in the white south then and now. The author speaks truth obviously, but he mentioned it so many times that perhaps he was trying to convince the reader? I'm not sure. Perhaps if someone was not deeply invested in research and studying Black history in the US it would not have felt as redundant.
Lastly I'll state while I'm far from being a fan of the Clinton's, I did find Bill's involvement in this case to be great. No doubt having the governor on your side helped make sure Marvin's true story could be heard.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2023
One of the more important books that I’ve read. Arguably the most frustrating book that I’ve read and this story should be more recognized than it is. I’m angry knowing that there are more stories like this that haven’t seen the light of day. The sections that discussed the trial and the collection of evidence was very interesting. I feel for Ronnie and his family to have to deal with the trauma that came with this situation. The epilogue is a fucking doozy!
May 19, 2022
Whew an amazing story of a family’s fight for Justice in an unjust system. So full of hope and integrity.
February 15, 2023
This is a book to read but one to take gently. The storytelling is powerful enough to carry you along, but the emotional punch requires deep pauses.
In too many ways, American society is as cruel now as it was in 1960, and that makes Mr. Williams book and the Williams family’s experience all the more heartbreaking (and important to acknowledge).
I had the privilege of sitting next to Ronnie & Connie at an event with a “turn and talk” moment written into the agenda. I turned to them. It was small talk — you know our professions, top hobbies. A university librarian and a retired university admin, she said. I told them I loved books.
Then Mr. Williams stood up to speak.
Then I went home to read his book.
More than than the book alone, I’m impacted by that experience and the reminder of all the layers we hold as people. From the surface of a “turn and talk” to the etched memoirs of experiences and pains we keep.
Ronnie Williams is a man of perseverance and dedication, much more so than I could’ve realized at the surface that day.
His book tells the story of losing his brother as a child and learning new facts about his death as an adult. It outlines specifics of trials that occurred in the 60s and later in the 80s which involved police and government corruption and a lot of people working together to combat a system of injustice. It weaves in all the strides Mr. Williams made in his career and the world that he eventually raised his own Black sons in.
While most would be cynical and full of rage, Mr. Williams channels an aspiration to forgiveness and hope.
Stick around for the epilogue and one final twist.
In too many ways, American society is as cruel now as it was in 1960, and that makes Mr. Williams book and the Williams family’s experience all the more heartbreaking (and important to acknowledge).
I had the privilege of sitting next to Ronnie & Connie at an event with a “turn and talk” moment written into the agenda. I turned to them. It was small talk — you know our professions, top hobbies. A university librarian and a retired university admin, she said. I told them I loved books.
Then Mr. Williams stood up to speak.
Then I went home to read his book.
More than than the book alone, I’m impacted by that experience and the reminder of all the layers we hold as people. From the surface of a “turn and talk” to the etched memoirs of experiences and pains we keep.
Ronnie Williams is a man of perseverance and dedication, much more so than I could’ve realized at the surface that day.
His book tells the story of losing his brother as a child and learning new facts about his death as an adult. It outlines specifics of trials that occurred in the 60s and later in the 80s which involved police and government corruption and a lot of people working together to combat a system of injustice. It weaves in all the strides Mr. Williams made in his career and the world that he eventually raised his own Black sons in.
While most would be cynical and full of rage, Mr. Williams channels an aspiration to forgiveness and hope.
Stick around for the epilogue and one final twist.
July 11, 2022
I heard this over the weekend, "truth and justice do not always intersect" and in this case of Marvin Williams, that is absolutely true. The legal process is designed to uncover the truth of what happened and it did, 24 years later but the horrendous disgusting truth and those who perpetrated the beating and murder of Marvin were protected by not only everyone in authority, those who are sworn to protect everyone but the Towns people, all white people. Though my feelings for President Clinton are less than positive, I respect that then Governor Bill Clinton was the only person who helped the Williams Family expose the truth and try to get justice. The love within the Williams family, the strength to get through what they endured, is incredible.
April 16, 2022
What a heart wrenching book! After not bro g able to put this book down my heart aches, the tears flow, frustration grows, and a strong desire to do something swells within me. We must NEVER forget stories like this and go back to where such atrocities took place. Mr. Williams, thank you for sharing this story. There must be thousands and thousands more with the same underlying themes. Living together, working together, worshiping together, and learning to love people must become a part of our lives.
May 26, 2022
Remarkable Faith and Trust in God
Systemic racism: Same song; second verse. It is sad to think that in American we are judged by the color of our skin and not the content of our character, and it is absolutely ‘sickening’. This book, however reminds us that God continues to orchestrate justice His way. The people responsible for Marvin’s death will be held accountable at God’s judgement day. I am so glad that Dr. Ronnie Williams broke racial barriers in Arkansas and serves as a role model for all people. Very good book.
Systemic racism: Same song; second verse. It is sad to think that in American we are judged by the color of our skin and not the content of our character, and it is absolutely ‘sickening’. This book, however reminds us that God continues to orchestrate justice His way. The people responsible for Marvin’s death will be held accountable at God’s judgement day. I am so glad that Dr. Ronnie Williams broke racial barriers in Arkansas and serves as a role model for all people. Very good book.
March 15, 2025
Eye opening
This book was Interesting to me partly because I knew so many of those involved. I was appalled at the details of Marvin's murder and the ensuing cover up. Familiar names & people I dealt with on a regular basis. Sadly changed my view & memory of them forever. I can only hope & pray that racism and hate will continue to diminish & the love of our Heavenly Father will reign.
This book was Interesting to me partly because I knew so many of those involved. I was appalled at the details of Marvin's murder and the ensuing cover up. Familiar names & people I dealt with on a regular basis. Sadly changed my view & memory of them forever. I can only hope & pray that racism and hate will continue to diminish & the love of our Heavenly Father will reign.
July 5, 2023
This book was powerful and heartbreaking. What the Williams family was made to endure was wrong. The faith and perseverance of this family in the face of such evil is simply remarkable. May Marvin Williams’s story live on to make the us better humans and may he rest in peace knowing his family fought hard for justice.
August 12, 2022
Tragic story but one that needs to be heard. Highly recommend this book!
August 31, 2022
Markham Street is a hard book to review. Those into social justice or even casual nonfiction readers can appreciate the book’s telling of the tragic murder of Marvin Williams. Reading it after having grown up in the same town had a much stronger impact. It was life-changing for me. I have fond memories of growing up in Conway, but am so glad for the clarification I have now regarding Conway as a whole. It was hard to read about Marvin & his friends in Conway and not see Greg, Mario, Harvell, Alan, Noel, Lamont, Terrance, or Alvin instead. Hard to not see all my own friends’ faces from Conway growing up, sitting with them in classrooms being taught that racism was just a bad thing in 50’s, at the same time these trials literally took place across town. Baffling and eye-opening and a must read for anyone from Conway.
December 18, 2022
This book was so moving and felt so important after having grown up in Conway. I think Williams was courageous to honor his brother by writing his story.
January 12, 2023
Great story but felt really repetitive
February 25, 2023
This should be a movie.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews