Cody Williams is a firefighter in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the son of former justice Cody Williams and former police chief Jeri Williams. He currently resides in the city of Phoenix, Arizona.
Cody Williams was born on June 26, 1994, at Good Samaritan Hospital–now Banner University
Hospital. He’s the second son of Honorable Cody Williams and Jeri Williams. Cody and his brother Alan grew up in a community where small businesses thrived and family values were deeply cherished. He attended Valley View Elementary where he learned to speak Spanish and played basketball with his diverse team. After graduating from elementary and high school, he went to Santa Barbara City College.
After graduating from Santa Barbara City College, he worked as a tutor, providing students with a better understanding of diversity’s impact on racial and ethnic groups in history. He later pursued his passion for serving the community and joined the Phoenix Fire Department, where he fights fires, saves lives, brings joy to kids during Halloween by giving them candy, and cooks for his coworkers.
For Williams, cooking is not just a hobby or a way to satisfy his hunger. It is an important way to express love and build connections with others, especially with hisfamily. From an early age, he learned the importance of cooking and the role it plays inbringing people together.
Williams’ parents significantly contributed to the fabric of South Phoenix. His dad, Cody was a
former justice at the South Mountain Justice Court, and his mother Jeri was the chief of the Phoenix Police Department (as well as the first woman and second African-American to be so). His grandfather, Travis Williams, was a prominent figure in both South Phoenix and his life. Travis moved to Phoenix seeking better opportunities and housing and was involved in building houses for minorities in the black and Latino community.
South Phoenix holds a special place in Williams’ heart. Despite being less affluent than other areas, the community’s unique beauty and proximity to South Mountain have made it one of the most sought-after places to live. The predominantly Latino and black population shares a deep bond built on love and a sense of belonging.
Though South Phoenix may not be known for its opulence, it more than makes up for it with its distinctive beauty and strong community spirit. For Mr. Williams, this part of town has become a beloved home and a testament to the fact that sometimes, it’s the people and the intangible qualities that make a place truly special.
| Narrator | Cody Williams |
| Birthdate | June 26, 1994 |
| Place of Origin | South Phoenix, AZ |
| Place of Residence | Phoenix, AZ |
| Years Active in South Phoenix | 1994 |
| Occupation | Firefighter |
| Recording Duration | 46:08 |
| Date | March 1, 2023 |
| Location | Virtual |
| Interviewed By | Student Researchers: Kevin Deciga, Joel Espinoza Faculty Co-Interviewer: Mary Nunn |
| Story Written By | Student Researcher: Kevin Deciga, Joel Espinoza |
South Phoenix Oral History Project 