APOPKA, Fla. – This Black History Month and beyond, we continue to honor local trailblazers who have made a difference in their community.
In 1970, Alonzo Williams Jr. made history when he was elected as the first black city commissioner in Apopka.
Dr Robert Williams couldn’t stop smiling about the lasting impact of his older brother.
“Just speechless to describe how proud I am of this legacy that he’s left and is continuing to leave,” said Dr. Robert Willams. “In the 70s, blacks were not being elected or running for political positions.”
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He said it happened at a time when things were still very much segregated.
“There were so few blacks registered. We had no idea that the white community would support him,” said Dr. Robert Williams. “At that particular time, I had no idea, no idea that he would win or that he would even get a few votes.”
Alonzo Williams Jr. went on to serve as city commissioner for 24 years.
The city of Apopka and current Apopka mayor Bryan Nelson recently honored his service to the city. His family said Williams died last month from respiratory issues. He was 85 years old.
Williams’ son, Alonzo Williams III, who now lives in Georgia, said his father was a trailblazer and he loved his family.
“He loved the city of Apopka. He gave his life and dedication to the city of Apopka,” said Alonzo Williams III.
Before making history at the Apopka city hall, his father was first a grocery store worker, before owning his own grocery store and soul food restaurant.
“I’d like him to be remembered as someone who took a leap forward,” said Alonzo Williams III. “Very proud of him for that. I got some of that from him as being a trailblazer, doing things first — and that’s how I’d like for my dad to be remembered.”
Alonzo Williams Jr. paved the way for other black city commissioners like Reverend Alexander Smith.
Reverend Smith is the current pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Apopka where Williams served as a deacon for more than 40 years.
News 6 met Francina Boykin at an Apopka park named in honor of Williams, the same park where a mural is also now painted of him.
“All things are possible if you just believe in yourself. And Alonzo was a representative of that,” said Boykin.
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