Williams became the first African-American to become an officer in the FDNY when he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1927. He was promoted to Captain in 1934 and Battalion Chief in 1938.
By 1940 there were forty black men in the Fire Department, all facing similar problems. Chief Williams suggested the men organize. The Vulcan Society was born. In 1944 the Vulcan Society forced a public hearing before the City Council to expose some of the segregated practices. As a result, a clause was passed in the regulations banning racial practices in the Fire Department. Wesley Williams never held office in the Vulcan Society but was the spirited force behind the Society. The Vulcan Society was the first organization to purchase lifetime membership in the NAACP.
Wesley A. Williams, died at Physicians Hospital in Queens. Sculptress Tina Alan created a bronze statue of Chief Williams and it was presented at a ceremony marking Chief Wesley Williams Day at the Harlem YMCA on April 28th, 1990.
Williams became the first African-American to become an officer in the FDNY when he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1927. He was promoted to Captain in 1934 and Battalion Chief in 1938.
By 1940 there were forty black men in the Fire Department, all facing similar problems. Chief Williams suggested the men organize. The Vulcan Society was born. In 1944 the Vulcan Society forced a public hearing before the City Council to expose some of the segregated practices. As a result, a clause was passed in the regulations banning racial practices in the Fire Department. Wesley Williams never held office in the Vulcan Society but was the spirited force behind the Society. The Vulcan Society was the first organization to purchase lifetime membership in the NAACP.
Wesley A. Williams, died at Physicians Hospital in Queens. Sculptress Tina Alan created a bronze statue of Chief Williams and it was presented at a ceremony marking Chief Wesley Williams Day at the Harlem YMCA on April 28th, 1990.
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