Charter school to be named for Hardy Williams

As part of its observance of Black History Month and its 10th anniversary celebration, Renaissance Advantage Charter School in West Philadelphia will rename itself Hardy Williams Academy Charter School during a ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Williams, who retired from the state Senate in 1994, was replaced by his son, Sen. Anthony H. Williams, one of the founders of Renaissance Advantage. The school is at 1712 S. 56th St.

Hardy Williams was the first African American basketball player at Pennsylvania State University and became the team captain. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and practicing law, he was first elected to the state House as a Democrat in 1970. He won his Senate seat in 1982. - Martha Woodall