“Williams, by all accounts, was an extraordinary man from an extraordinary family. In 1902, his father, James, the son of a former slave, became chief of Red Caps at Grand Central Station, a job he created after working for several years at a flower shop located on 5th Avenue, Thorley’s, and at Grand Central Station carrying bags for travelers. In 1892, “the enterprising Williams fastened a piece of red flannel to his hat as a means of identifying his availability to carry luggage to the passengers of Grand Central Station.” As a result of this marketing ploy, “the Red Cap came into being.” After working the night shift for several months to supplement his income from the flower shop, Williams began working full time as a porter and was soon after hired to serve as the chief of the Red Caps.”
— Black Firefighters and the FDNY: The Struggle for Jobs, Justice, and Equity in New York City (Justice, Power, and Politics) by David Goldberg
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