Remembrances from Facebook
Mrs. Katz I want to share with you that I admired Mr. Katz for his trailblazing inspiration to thousands of Woodlands HS students and for the positive impact he had on our American culture by introducing us to hundreds of brave and innovative African Americans and Native Americans. Their stories would not have been told without Mr. Katz’s kind and pioneering spirit. We are sorry for your personal loss and the loss of one extraordinary human being. Prayers for your comfort at this difficult time and that his soul is at rest.
Baba Zayid
He was a gem, a great bridge builder, prolific historian, master teacher and a great New Yorker!… We take hold of his scholarship and engaging presence to the fullest…A man who gave us so much in Black and White and Red and in color!…His work and legacy will be with us for ages…Prof William Katz, thank u, sir…for so much!…Zayid Muhammad, Malcolm X Commemoration Committee, NYC.
One of my very best FB reconnections, was being back in touch with William Katz many decades after graduating from Woodlands (1967). As a member of the 1st class that went through 7th-12th grade, I had him for history twice. I’ve always been filled with gratitude for the historical foundation I received during those years. May his memory be a blessing and comfort to your family. His work and passion for justice will live on. Bill Katz Presenté
My God, I didn’t know! I absolutely adored Bill for much more than his erudition but also for his courage. My brother Gil Noble loved him as much as I did… and still do! Bill was at the vanguard of history story telling of facts and unearthing the real story of the building and making of what we now know as and is AMERICA. Bill was a great American among great Americans. For teacher/authors the mold was broken when he was born! I love the goodness and welcoming warmth of William Loren Katz, too. I miss him even more now, knowing how i tried to get to him before he passed. Read his books; read every last one of them and you will be smarter than you were before about the nature of history and the mind sensitive to it… Requiescat In Pacem, my friend.
I met Bill Katz many years ago and kept in touch. There is no one like him …kindness all the way. RIP my friend
Dear Laurie and family. My heart is with you today. I met Bill at a conference in 2007 at Univ of Kansas “The First and the Forced” Our presentations were No 9 and No. 10 under Personal Reflections. He continued to encourage me to write my Memoir and to do it the way I chose. I listened to his Voice, and wrote it. Thank you for sharing such a blessing in our lives. Unable to attend memorial due to illness. There in spirit. Jean Foggo Simon, Bermuda
Dear Laurie and family, my sincerest condolences to you and your family. I am proud to call Mr. Katz my friend. He brought so much history and knowledge to the forefront that generations will speak of his courage and fortitude for years, nay, centuries to come. The world has lost a giant among men!
My deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and other loved ones. Dr. Katz was an inspiration, and his work will live on. I was so delighted when he personally responded to me with great suggestions for texts to read for a project. May he rest in peace.
Gabriel Greaves
Feeling this still and after talking with him before (not in person), I had hoped to visit him and glean from his thoughts further for some projects. One of the most brilliant and encouraging minds in the world who literally helped so many see themselves in history, from his powerful work, “The Black West: A Documentary and Pictorial History of the African American Role in the Westward Expansion of the United States” to pioneering classics in the field I read back in 2009 like “Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage” and so many others.
Reading his work in the field in Mixed Race Studies for years is what inspired me during the time I sought my Masters (http://www.mixedracestudies.org/?tag=william-katz ) – and I am grateful for his witness to documentation with excellence…and asking the questions many were afraid to ask. Especially with regards to Indigenous American intersections with African cultures and the minimization done to the many forms of resistance Black people have been doing.
What a brilliant and dedicated master he was for leaving the world better than when he came, in action and in print. Katz was quite the navigator around obstacles. Laser-focused, on doing the right thing, even during McCarthyism years. What enthusiasm and a very strong magnet and a powerhouse, committed to using his prowess to improve others, he carried around an invisible sledgehammer to enthusiastically express his winning personal-power to dig deep into his soul and inspiring others to also STAND up for what is right. RIP!
Actress, Women in History; portrayed historical female figures such as Edmonia Lewis, Biddy Mason, Rosa Parks.
Scholar, historian, educator, mentor. Meticulously researched the historic bonds of African Americans and Native Americans in the old west. Had the privilege of speaking with him by phone while researching Black Indians for a character l portray for Women In History. He was so knowledgeable and generous. Thank you, Dr. William Katz. RIP.
Ameejill Whitlock [Baltimore]
A brilliant visionary activist scholar that was way ahead of his time. My deepest condolences to you, the entire family, all the students and people who’s lives he touched
I was fortunate to interview William Katz on Janet ‘s House radio program on WURD 900AM many years ago. His book Black Indians and Blacks in the West stand as a testament of his support to the “Black” and American Indian communities. I’m sorry to hear about this passing and pray for his family and friends to receive comfort in their time of grieving. Thank you Mr Katz, you will never be forgotten.
History News Network comments after Alan Singer’s tribute
Professor Katz was a great friend to HNN. We will mourn his passing.
Through the years he contributed some thirty-three articles to the website. This puts him in the top 5 of contributors. His pieces were always thoughtful. Often, given the topics he wrote about, they were dispiriting. But they were essential reading if you want to understand this country’s history of racism. We will miss you here at HNN, Bill.