James Lynn Williams, center, presents a check to The Dallas Way
The Dallas Way today (Tuesday, Aug. 13) announced a $50,000 matching gift challenge from James Lynn Williams honoring his late partner of 46 years, Charles Longcope Jr.
James Lynn Williams, left, and Charles Longcope Jr.
The Williams/Longcope Matching Gift Challenge will match donations to The Dallas Way up to $50,000 until the end of 2024, funding the digitization of historical documents for worldwide access.
“Charles was passionate about education and preserving our community’s history,” said Williams. “This challenge will ensure future generations can learn from Dallas’ unique LGBTQ+ heritage.”
Robert Emery, president of The Dallas Way, added, “This gift ensures Dallas’ diverse LGBTQ+ history will be studied for generations, providing valuable resources for research and education.”
This gift to The Dallas Way adds to Williams’ philanthropic efforts which include more than $1 million since 2022 to support the LGBTQ community.
James Williams arrived in Dallas on Feb. 4, 1974, fresh from Army service and armed with degrees from Cornell and Dartmouth. Within 20 days, he met Charles Longcope Jr., a Dallas high school teacher and fourth-generation Texan. Their serendipitous encounter sparked a 46-year romance built on a shared passion for the arts.
The couple immersed themselves in Dallas’ cultural scene, becoming long-time subscribers to the Dallas Opera, Dallas Symphony and Theater Three. Williams, with his rich musical background, became a founding member of the Turtle Creek Chorale. In later years, they were loyal patrons of Uptown Players, even volunteering as ushers. Charles passed away in 2020, and Williams has since honored his memory through significant contributions to organizations close to their hearts, including Turtle Creek Chorale (Williams is the largest individual donor in TCC history, creating the Charles Longcope Jr. Artistic Director and Conductor position); Uptown Players (Williams is the second largest donor, naming five areas within their headquarters); Bruce Wood Dance and The Dallas Way (Williams funded the digitization of Turtle Creek Chorale concert recordings and poster collection).
Founded in 2011, The Dallas Way is dedicated to preserving Dallas’ LGBTQ+ history. The organization has amassed over 275,000 documents at the University of North Texas, attracting over a million users through The Portal of Texas History.
Donations to The Dallas Way, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, are tax-deductible and can be made at TheDallasWay.org/Donate or North Texas Giving Day. Participants will double their impact in preserving Dallas’ LGBTQ+ history.
The Dallas Way is grateful to Jim Williams for his steadfast support and constant encouragement. From now until the end of year 2024, every dollar you donate to The Dallas Way will be DOUBLED.
Awesome! We will donate to The Dallas Way, once again, to support this matching gift opportunity! We thank Jim Williams for his generosity, which has been life changing for so many organizations!