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SAMCAR Celebrates Black History Month – Remembering Les Williams
During Black History Month, SAMCAR joins the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) in commemorating African American achievements and contributions to U.S. history. We celebrate leaders and all those who worked to dismantle barriers to homeownership so everyone can achieve the American Dream. At SAMCAR, we take this opportunity to remember a remarkable Realtor member, Les Williams, a Tuskegee Airman and Congressional Gold Medal recipient.
Remembering Les Williams (1919 – 2015)
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Photo courtesy Les Williams. |
The Tuskegee Airmen were an elite group of African-American fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Corps who flew with distinction during World War II as the 332nd Fighter Group. In 2007, Les Williams was among 300 Tuskegee Airmen presented with the Leonard Houston Carter Award and collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by U.S. President George W. Bush.
That same year, Williams was also presented with the SAMCAR Community Service Award by Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson who described Williams as "a hometown hero. … Discrimination only made him work harder. He personifies the values we believe in and shows when you believe in what you're doing, when you work hard, you can achieve your dream... He overcame great obstacles to achieve his dream."(1)
Williams told SAMCAR members the President's recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen "closed the gap, after a long hiatus between the time we served during the war and got the distinction...This is a proud moment for me. On behalf of my fellow Airmen, I thank you and I will treasure this award."(1)
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Les Williams receiving the flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol with 2008 SAMCAR President Sue Walsh. |
After leaving the Army, Williams owned and operated a dance studio in San Mateo. At the age of 60 he graduated from Stanford University and practiced law for 20 years. He joined the Association and became a Realtor in 1986 first with his own brokerage and later with Cashin and then Coldwell Banker.
In 2008, on behalf of the Board of Directors, SAMCAR President Sue Walsh presented Williams with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol on January 11, 2008. The flag was requested by the Honorable Adam B. Schiff, Member of Congress, in honor of Mr. Williams' service as a Tuskegee Airman.(2)
Les Williams passed away on March 30, 2015 at the age of 95.
Learn more about Les Williams' remarkable history in a College of San Mateo (CSM) Centennial profile article and an oral history project interview with former San Mateo Mayor Claire Mack.
References:
(1) "2008 SAMCAR President, Board of Directors Installed, Awards Presented" by Rose Meily, published in SAMCAR Facts Flash (December 14, 2007)
(2) "SAMCAR Recognizes Les Williams" published in SAMCAR {RE}Source (April 2008)
Taking Action
Although the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was passed by Congress, litigation and advocacy for enforcement continues to this day. Throughout this month, C.A.R.'s social media handles (@carealtors) will honor heroes in fair housing who fought for fairness and equality. Additionally, NAR recently launched Fairhaven 2.0, an updated version of its online fair housing simulation. Join us in learning this important history and taking action to support a more equitable industry and homeownership opportunities for all!
Do you have a story to share?
At SAMCAR, we love to celebrate the notable accomplishments and community involvement of our members. Please feel free to share your stories with SAMCAR Director of Brand & Communications, Dalen Gilbrech.
