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the Williamses Tell us about your family. We are the Williams Family, Sharron U. Williams, Freddy E. Williams, Philemon Williams, and Fredrick K. Tate What are some of your favorite things about Madison County? We love the variety of restaurants, parks, and other amenities that have been developed in Madison. In addition, we love to see the growth in Madison which increases the tax base to foster community and economic development opportunities for a better quality of life for all residents. From the rural roads to the urban landscape, our community is ever-changing in the city we call home. In addition, the increased activities that are offered are great. We don’t have to drive far to be entertained. What accomplishments make you proud during your time living in Madison County? We stand on the shoulders of our grandmother, the late Fannie Patterson Williams Sanders, who was a civil rights activist. Among her dedicated civic leadership activities in the Madison community, she served as president of the segregated Rosa Scott School PTA during the 1960s where she fought for public education for all children. As direct beneficiaries, and to continue the legacy of our grandmother’s focus on public education, my siblings and I (a total of 7) attended Rosa Scott Middle School and graduated from Madison-Ridgeland High School. Additionally, we are excited to see there are now three high schools that offer multiple opportunities for the students and community. What do you love about JSU? My siblings and I attended JSU and are now a part of the alumni association. Our proud parents, Annie and the late Fillmore Williams, supported seven JSU alums – Ralph J. Williams, Esq. (Lake Charles, Louisiana), Queen E. Williams-Bennett, Freddy E. Williams, Jackie L. Williams, Ph.D. (Washington, D.C.), Philemon Williams, Annie L. Williams (Portland, Oregon), and Sharron U. Williams, Ph.D. While attending JSU, each one of us participated in several activities and/or organizations. Our love of JSU extends from alumni meetings, football games, the band, and Sonny the Tiger. JSU has a rich history and legacy. To continue this tradition, we often give back to the university and offer support to current students, through scholarship and mentorship. We truly “BLEED BLUE” for JSU. What’s your favorite thing to do as a family? Our family loves to cook. Each one of us has a specialty item that we are known for. Cooking for holidays and tailgating is what we do each year. You will often see friends and family at our home or our tailgate spot. You can find me cooking on a Friday night or early Saturday morning. A variety of food is offered at tailgating such as spaghetti, cabbage, greens, pasta salad, ribs, chicken, and roasted corn. The spaghetti or the pasta is what goes first. FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE Tri-Color Pasta Salad • 12 ounces tricolor spiral pasta • 2 tomatoes, chopped • 1 cucumber, chopped • 1 red onion, chopped • 4 oz. jar of pimentos • Salad seasoning • Italian salad dressing In a Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl and let chill. Dice the tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. Add all ingredients to the chilled pasta. Add the Italian salad dressing and salad seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until completely cold. Hometown MADISON • 55