About Raymond Williams

Raymond Williams is a scholar and blogger who writes about books and other topics at Ballasts for the Mind, and on various social media platforms. He also co-leads an online book club, Black Men Read. His interests are in American Politics and History. A political scientist by training, Raymond received his BS in Political Science from East Carolina University and his MA and PhD in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park. He is a member of the National Capital Area Political Science Association.

Raymond Williams, PhD is a political scientist, blogger, and book club administrator with an interest in American History and Politics.
Raymond's website

NBN Episodes hosted by Raymond:

Craig Fehrman, "This Vast Enterprise: A New History of Lewis & Clark" (Simon & Schuster, 2026)

May 31, 2026

This Vast Enterprise

Craig Fehrman
Hosted by Raymond Williams

In 1806, when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark return from their journey—having led the Corps of Discovery across eight thousand miles of rapids, mo…

Emely Rumble, "Bibliotherapy in The Bronx" (Row House, 2025)

April 18, 2026

Bibliotherapy in the Bronx

Emely Rumble
Hosted by Raymond Williams

Bibliotherapy in The Bronx (Row House, 2025) by Emely Rumble, LCSW, is a groundbreaking exploration of the healing power of literature in the lives of…