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Respected as the patriarch of the Los Angeles black LGBTQ+ community, Jewel Taiyis Williams passed away at the age of 86.
In 1973, she founded the legendary Jewel Catch-One Disco on Pico Boulevard in the Arlington Heights area of Los Angeles. Recognised as the oldest black-owned disco in the United States, the nightclub became a cultural hub and celebrity hotspot during the disco era, attracting stars such as Madonna, Sharon Stone and Whitney Houston.
Beyond glamour and charm, Ty Williams was a tireless advocate of health and healing. She co-founded the Minority AIDS Project and later founded the Village Health Foundation, providing overall health care, particularly to unserved communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
Jewel Thais-Williams, co-founder of the Minority AIDS Project, will be seen at the groundbreaking AIDS Monument held in West Hollywood, California on June 5, 2021. (Photo for Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for the AIDS Monument)
In 2019, later, LA City Council President Herb Wesson dedicated the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Norton Avenue as Jewel Ty Williams Square, celebrating her legacy in recognition of her lifelong commitment to LGBTQ and human rights work.
Thais-Williams was survived by his wife and partner, Rue, for over 40 years.
“Today, the world celebrates the incredible life and legacy of gems. Thais-Williams – Holistic Healer, Community Activist and Business Mogul,” reflected Jeffrey King, founder and executive director of the men’s group between them. “(We) will join the global community to celebrate her enormous contributions. We will call her name for eternity and beyond.
Her story is C. It is immortalized in the 2018 documentary Jewel’s Catch One, directed by Fitz and distributed by the Ava Duvernay Arrangement. The film features interviews with Sharon Stone, Jennifer Lewis and Madonna, documenting the rich history of the nightclub and the enduring influence of Ty Williams. For more information, please visit arraynow.com.
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