Cheryl Croom Williams is a descendant of Oberlin Village, of one of the largest self-sufficient historically Black communities in North Carolina. Oberlin Village was established in 1866 with an estimated 1,200 Black residents at its peak in the late 19th century. The community was rich in culture, home to numerous Black professionals, multiple churches, and schools. This thriving Black enclave was known for its high rates of property ownership and literacy.

Cheryl is deeply committed to sharing the history of Historic Oberlin Village by preserving her family's legacy as a fifth-generation owner of The Historic Turner House, built in 1889. She has done extensive genealogical research, spending years collecting oral histories from her family members. In 2022, she founded the Historic Turner House Foundation, opening up her home so guests can receive unique historical insights into what life was like for an African-American family living in Oberlin Village. Her foundation's mission is rooted in education, appreciation, and preservation.