Lincoln University

Lincoln University was founded in 1854 as the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University, or HBCU. It is named in honor of President Abraham Lincoln. During its first 100 years, Lincoln graduated approximately 20 percent of the black physicians and more than 10 percent of the black attorneys in the nation. Bill graduated from Lincoln at age 19, valedictorian of his class. Since education was very important to Bill, he left money for Lincoln University in his will, and we have established a scholarship in his honor.

You can contribute to the scholarship by donating directly to Lincoln University.Choose “other” in the drop down menu, and type “William M Womack, MD” in the blank field.  (You can also mail a check to Lincoln University and write “William M. Womack, MD” in the notes section).

University of Virginia

In 1957 Bill enrolled in the University of Virginia Medical School, becoming one of the first African Americans to attend UVA. Bill faced active racism and ostracism at the school and in Charlottesville, where he wasn’t allowed to eat in restaurants or visit Monticello as a tourist. He persevered, made the Deans List, and graduated in 1961 with his medical degree.

Bill did not return to UVA until 2000, when he finally agreed to visit the school and meet with a new generation of Black medical students. He was impressed, and decided as part of his legacy to establish a UVA scholarship to support minority medical students. If you would like to contribute to this scholarship, please donate to the UVA Medical Alumni Association, and designate your gift to the William M. Womack, MD Scholarship Fund.

The Trevor Project

Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. Bill’s work and contributions made the lives of LGBTQ youth better through his brave advocacy, during a time when gender/sexuality/LGBTQ issues were still not mainstream within the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. A donation to The Trevor Project would be a excellent way to honor Bill and his work.

Seattle Men’s Chorus

Bill Womack was a huge supporter and fan of the Seattle Men’s Chorus, attending performances every year, and served on the Board of Directors. (Many don’t know that he sang in his church choir growing up, and in Lincoln University’s Glee Club.) The renowned Seattle Women’s Chorus and Seattle Men’s Chorus together make the largest community choral organization in North America, and stand out among the largest LGBTQ-identified choruses in the world. Their voices transform society through innovative and entertaining programs that build community, illuminate the experiences of LGBTQ people and their allies, expand inclusion, and inspire justice. Donate to the Seattle Men’s Chorus in Bill’s memory.

A Contemporary Theatre (ACT)

Bill had a lifelong love of theater, always attending shows on Broadway during his frequent trips to New York City. He also loved supporting local theater groups in Seattle, and ACT was his favorite. ACT is a contemporary theatre where artistic ambition and civic engagement unite. ACT envisions a world where the power of theatre expands our collective understanding of community and our own humanity. Bill was not only a subscriber for decades, but also served on their Board of Trustees for many years. He would deeply appreciate a donation to ACT in his memory.

Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra

The Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra is the Northwest’s premier big band jazz ensemble. Founded in 1995, the 17-piece big band is made up of the most prominent jazz soloists and band leaders in the greater Seattle area. SRJO’s mission is to promote appreciation of the unique American art form of large ensemble jazz and to share the joy of live professional jazz performance. Bill Womack absolutely loved Jazz. He was a regular at local jazz venues in Seattle and NYC.  Bill and his daughter Lisette were SRJO subscribers during the last 5 years of his life, regularly attending and greatly enjoying season shows. Please considerdonating to SRJO in Bill’s memory.