Our Team
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Charles E. Williams, II is the founder and CEO of the Detroit Benevolent Society. His experience includes 20 years of community organizing, 11 years of pastoring, 4 years as a radio host – Keeping it Real With Al Sharpton, and is a current PhD student at the University of Michigan (expected graduation 2023) – Joint Doctoral student in Social Work and Sociology (currently holds an MSW). He was just appointed by Governor Whitmer to be the African American Workgroup Chair of the Protect Michigan Commission – a commission to raise awareness of the safety and effectiveness of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Chanel Taylor
Co-Founder
Chanel Taylor is a graduate of Wayne State University with a B.A. in public relations and minors in journalism and political science. She currently attends the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. In 2020, Chanel co-founded the Detroit Benevolent Society along with Rev. Charles Williams II. Under their leadership, DBS was able to provide over 700,000 meals to seniors and families in need amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Chanel manages relationships with partners, volunteers, and helped organize a three-tiered service model for delivering meals. DBS's work has been featured in the Michigan Chronicle, Watch the Yard, SEEN Magazine, the Detroit Legal News, and more. Chanel is the co-host of Pretty Political Podcast and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In her free time, Chanel enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, reading, and writing.
Current Board of Trustees
Charles Williams II (Executive Director)
Rev. Maurice L. Rudds (Greater Mt. Tabor Baptist Church)
Gloria Lyons (AAA Retiree)
Chris Allen (GM)
Chanel Taylor (UDM Law Student) - pictured above
Angela Elam M.D (Michigan Medicine)
Rev. Stephen Herrod (Bethel East Baptist Church)
Chief Financial Officer