Born in 1931, in Harlem, New York, Herman Williams, Jr., rose through the ranks to become the first African-American fire chief of a major U.S. city. During a time of deep-rooted racism, he managed to struggle through the hardships to become highly decorated and respected. Before his days at the department, he traveled around the U.S. as a jazz musician, meeting and playing with an impressive list of jazz heroes.
Herman married his high school sweetheart, Marjie, 53 years ago. Together they raised their four children: Colita, Marjorie, Herman III, and Montel. Herman is now enjoying his retirement and still resides in Baltimore, Maryland.
