Award-winning author, Tina Jones Williams, A Reasonable Woman, has written nine books which pay homage to the rich traditions in the African American community. Born and raised in an all-black neighborhood on Julia Street in South Berkeley, Tina attended neighborhood schools until seventh grade when she was bussed out of her area to become a member of the first desegregated junior high school in Berkeley. Tina attended Berkeley High, the only public high school in town.
After high school graduation, Tina went to the University of Texas, at Austin where she earned a B.A. degree in Business/General & Comparative Studies. The lure of family brought her back to the Bay Area where she married, settled in Silicon Valley, and had a career in the Tech Industry. She is still happily married (to the same man) and the mother of two adult children who are the apples of her eye. She grandmother to one and is close to her siblings, extended family and delights in her friendships.
Since publishing her Julia Street Series, Tina has led bi-annual neighborhood walks which begin and end on Julia Street where the Julia Street Series is set. During the walks, Tina shares anecdotes, folklore, and history about times, places, and people she feels should not be forgotten. As a result of her books and neighborhood walks, Tina is pictured on a South Berkeley mural reflecting the city’s history. Julia Street is also depicted on the mural and is listed among ten streets considered the “heart of South Berkeley.” Tina is also included in Berkeley Unified School District 3rd grade curriculum where noteworthy Berkeley natives are featured.
Tina is a proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and Ivy Rose Community Foundation. She is a contributor to the South Berkeley Legacy Project. She is a member of the National League of American Pen Women, and Intel Alumni Board Member.
Reach Tina at areasonablewoman@aol.com