LEWISVILLE, Texas (BlackNews.com) — William (Bill) Lawrence, a Black American lawyer, Vietnam veteran and retired United States Air Force Reserve Colonel, is no stranger to achieving breakthroughs despite the odds. In year 2000, he made history as the 16th and first Black American elected Mayor of Highland Village. Bill announced that he has also been elected the first President of the Denton County Federation of African American Republicans (DFAAR) and Vice President for the Eastern Region State Auxiliary.
According to Lawrence, DFAAR is part of a leading edge multi-ethnic engagement approach by Texas GOP Leadership to help the Republican National Committee (RNC) win greater voter support from Black communities. Bill is a long-time conservative Republican and said, “My long association with the party is due to similar values. I believe we are “One Nation Under God”, our country is exceptional and that our Constitution should be honored and upheld. Lawrence said in a news release, Specific goals of DFAAR include; correcting misinformation, improving an anemic public relations image and increasing engagement of the Black press/media. A key focus is on promoting Republican ideals, asking Blacks for their support and growing the voter base.”
Lawrence said, he is confident critical problems for Black America like jobs, education, healthcare, family and the justice system are resolvable. He noted that well into the current Democratic Administration’s second term; only Black unemployment escalated to a high of 13.4 percent, despite the fact that Democrats enjoy voting support of over 90 percent of Black America. As a result, I think Blacks are fed up and beginning to weigh the pros and cons of both political parties. This opens the door of opportunity for Republicans and for a future of bright possibilities within our party, he said.
In addition to a law degree from Indiana University, Lawrence received a masters degree from St. Marys and a bachelor degree from Tuskegee University. He was also born in Tuskegee, Alabama, while his dad served in World War II, with the U.S. Army Air Corps all Black combat flying unit, known as the “Tuskegee Airmen.” Bill Lawrence and his wife, Grace are 30 year homeowners in Highland Village. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.
