Black and White

The fascinating, “upfront and unapologetic” (Kirkus Reviews) memoir of Richard Williams, a businessman, tennis coach, subject of the major motion picture King Richard, and father to two of the greatest athletes and professional tennis champions of all time—Venus and Serena Williams.

Born into poverty in Shreveport, Louisiana in the 1940s, Richard Williams was blessed by a strong, caring mother who remained his lifelong hero, just as he became a hero to Venus and Serena. From the beginning of his life, Richard’s mother taught him to live by the principles of courage, confidence, commitment, faith, and love. He passed the same qualities on to his daughters, who grew up loving their father and valuing the lessons he taught them. “I still feel really close to my father,” says Serena. “We have a great relationship. There is an appreciation. There is a closeness because of what we’ve been through together, and a respect.”

A self-made man, Williams has walked a long, hard, exciting, and ultimately rewarding road during his life, surmounting many challenges to raise a loving family and two of the greatest tennis players who ever lived. Black and White is the extraordinary story of that journey and the indomitable spirit that made it all possible.

“"Richard Williams has long been widely regarded as an enigma. Now, in his own words he reveals himself as a proud--and sometimes dangerously stubborn--warrior with a keen, incisive mind. Part memoir and part how-to guide on raising children, this is a fascinating tale of a complex character who refused to give up or give in to the status quo." - Nathan McCall, author of Makes Me Wanna Holler”

“Richard Williams has long been widely regarded as an enigma. Now, in his own words he reveals himself as a proud—and sometimes dangerously stubborn—warrior with a keen, incisive mind. Part memoir and part how-to guide on raising children, this is a fascinating tale of a complex character who refused to give up or give in to the status quo.” – Nathan McCall, author of Makes Me Wanna Holler
“Inspiring and tough-minded, Williams’ book is above all a celebration of one man’s resilient, unorthodox spirit. Upfront and unapologetic.”—Kirkus
“Fascinating, revealing, and in-depth memoir.”—Black Tennis Review
“Packed with riveting anecdotes, little-known facts and a triumphant, inspiring undertone, the book delivers unique insight into the mind and method of a determined, victorious man.”—Ebony magazine
“Gritty, opinionated, and inspirational, Williams' memoir is a testament to a man's courage, drive, and commitment.”—Publishers Weekly
“An iconoclast’s remarkable account of triumphing over hatred.” Chicago Tribune

Richard Williams is an American tennis coach and the father of Venus and Serena Williams.

Bart Davis has written four nonfiction books, The Woman Who Can’t Forget, Closure, Shooting Stars, and Holy War on the Home Front. He is a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and Stony Brook University and holds a BA in English and an MA in social work.

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