City Councilman Buys New Suit for Young Dallas Leader

A young man from Dallas has a new suit after shaming a city council member into taking him shopping.

David Williams has become well known among city leaders for his speeches and power point presentations at city meetings.

The 13-year-old is home-schooled and his public speaking has been a learning experience for the young man and for the city council.

“I fear nothing or no one,” Williams said. “If I want to do something, I put my mind to it and do it.”

Councilman Dwaine Caraway was one of several members to praise Williams Wednesday.

“Never let anybody turn you around. You stay focused. You stay determined and you stay committed,” Caraway said.

But in Wednesday’s speech, Williams targeted several council members for showing him past disrespect, including Councilman Tennell Atkins.

Williams said Atkins criticized the young man’s clothes at a community meeting, but offered no constructive assistance on how to improve.

“I would have rather you reached out to me for dress success attire,” Williams said.

Atkins responded immediately, taking Williams and his mother to Macy’s at Southwest Center Mall for a new suit.

Atkins said he has dressed in a white shirt and tie since he was young, it has always served him well and this was the chance to set things right with David Williams.

“You know what? If I said that, let me show you how you should dress for success in a business environment,” Atkins said.

Williams was pleased with the black suit, white shirt and red tie Atkins bought him.

“I am a little surprised that he did do it,” Williams said. “I figured he would have to do something because you guys were at the meeting, but I didn’t expect for it to be so soon.”

Williams' mom, Shatara Mathus, was pleased, too.

“I’m thankful that Mr. Atkins was willing to help him dress for success because we want him to be successful,” she said.

Williams is already president of a company with a dozen other kids planning a coat drive for needy people this winter.

Now Williams says he can dress like a president, too.

Atkins is challenging other city leaders to help kids dress for success.