Henry Sylvester Williams (1869-1911) was a prominent lawyer and writer from Trinidad who is regarded as the founder of the Pan-African movement. He formed the African Association in London in 1897, later known as the Pan-African Association, to advocate for the rights and interests of people of African descent around the world. Williams organized the first Pan-African Conference in 1900, and is credited with establishing the tradition of international Pan-African congresses. He went on to practice law in South Africa, becoming the first Black barrister there, and was also elected to public office in London. Williams worked throughout his life to unite people of African descent globally and challenge imperialism and racism through the Pan-African movement