Antonio’s Early Years
Antonio and his twin brother were born March 19, 1992. At the time of his birth, Antonio had an older sister.
Antonio spent his first eight years in the DC suburbs. From an early age, Antonio had an infectious energy — he could make entire rooms laugh with his antics. His lifelong charismatic, warm, and rambunctious energy — which got him both in and out of trouble — was present from day one.
Antonio displayed an interest in music and writing (which also became lifelong themes) early on.
Soon after moving to New York, Antonio had a poem published in a national book of poems by youth.
Antonio as a baby with his older sister (me, far left), twin brother (middle-left), and mother.
Antonio as a Teenager
Antonio is pictured middle-left, holding a trophy and wearing a striped shirt.
In his teen years, Antonio played football and continued to develop his interest in music. He made so much music over the course of 11 years, we continue to stumble upon new-to-us recordings.
Antonio briefly hit a rough spot that impacted him for years. He was found guilty of being involved in a nonviolent robbery; he served his time and was humbled by it.
During his time in jail, Antonio read a lot — mostly sociocultural content that he tied to his own experiences during long telephone calls and letter exchanges with loved ones.
Once he was out, Antonio was deeply committed to building a life he could be proud of and never returning to jail.
Antonio with his two children.
Antonio’s Final Years
Antonio had his first child, a daughter, in 2015. He had his second child, a son, in 2017. Antonio was a devoted and loving father.
Most people who know Antonio probably received enthusiastic updates about the birth of his children.
This website is mostly for them — two children who had their father taken from them, who may one day search his name and find inaccuracies, blatant lies, and dehumanization.
Antonio’s final years saw him as a father first and foremost, but he also remained dedicated to music and finding a stable backup career.
He struggled with the latter due to his status as a nonviolent felon, but he found work he loved in the food industry and had aspirations to continue to explore that industry as he pursued a career.
We, Antonio’s loved ones, are so lucky to be left with reminders of Antonio. From his children who share so much of his energy to his music to his letters, texts, messages, and social media posts.
Antonio loved deeply and wasn’t afraid to say it — he was known to make video collages for birthdays, Mother’s Day, or just to say hi.
He never hesitated to give his love and we’re so sad we have to rely on memories to feel it again.
Antonio was taken from his dad, two moms, two children, an older sister, and five younger brothers.
This is just the briefest of glimpses at who Antonio was.
Above all else, Antonio Williams was loved.
