The following bio is that of an event speaker or guest author. This person is not directly affiliated with the John Locke Foundation.
Kelley Williams-Bolar, born July 15, a native of Akron, Ohio.
As a single mother she made national headlines in 2011, when she was arrested and served ten days in jail for sending her two daughters outside of their designated school district in Akron. Kelley’s actions were inspired to expand the educational and social opportunities for her children that the existing school could probably not provide.
She was granted clemency by then Governor John Kasich who replied, “When I first heard about this situation, it seemed to me that the penalty was excessive for the offense. In addition, the penalty could exclude her from certain economic opportunities for the rest of her life.”
Currently, Ms. Williams-Bolar is recognized as a national advocate for education equality and pursues legislative social change that will serve the underrepresented. She is committed to advancing the voice of the underserved community to gain more equality in public education.
Her twenty-year mission has led to legislative changes throughout the country including guest speaking engagements reliving her unsettling experience on Capitol Hill and the White House.
Her story has also been featured on national news programs and talk shows hosted by Dr. Phil and Tom Joyner.
Today her crusade continues to bring awareness to the issues of inequality and injustices that affect lower socio-economic areas. Bolar stays connected to the community by working and speaking at churches, nonprofit organizations and universities emphasizing the importance of having public schools without outdated geographical borders.