Jeremiah Munoz Blog #2

When I first found out that our group had to create a presentation about changemakers from the 1900s, I thought it would be a straightforward assignment where we would simply research someone and present facts about their life. However, as I worked on my section, I realized that the project was much more than memorizing dates and accomplishments. It became an opportunity to learn about a person whose determination and perseverance created lasting change for future generations. I chose to present on Wesley Augustus Williams, and by the end of this project, I gained a new appreciation for his contributions and for the importance of leadership, resilience, and representation.

At the beginning of the project, I did not know much about Wesley Augustus Williams. I knew he was connected to the fire service, but I did not realize the obstacles he had to overcome. As I researched his life, I learned that he joined the New York City Fire Department in 1919 during a time when racial discrimination was common and opportunities for African Americans were extremely limited. Instead of allowing those barriers to stop him, he continued to work hard and prove himself through dedication and professionalism. Eventually, he became the first African American battalion chief in FDNY history. Learning about this achievement helped me understand why he is considered a true changemaker.

One of the most interesting parts of the project was discovering that change does not always happen through famous speeches or political movements. Sometimes change happens because one person refuses to give up and sets an example for others. Wesley Williams did exactly that. By succeeding in a profession where very few African Americans were given opportunities, he showed that leadership should be based on ability and character rather than race. His accomplishments helped create opportunities for future firefighters and inspired others to pursue careers that may have once seemed impossible.

Creating the presentation also helped me improve my research and communication skills. I spent time looking for reliable information, organizing my slides, and deciding what details were most important for the audience. I wanted my presentation to tell a story rather than simply list facts. Instead of overwhelming the audience with information, I focused on explaining how his early life, career, and leadership connected to his lasting impact. This process taught me that effective communication is about helping people understand why information matters, not just presenting it.

Another part of the project that I enjoyed was selecting photographs for the slides. Images helped tell the story of Wesley Williams and made the presentation more engaging. Historical photos of New York City and the FDNY helped provide context for the time period in which he lived. I realized that visuals are an important communication tool because they allow the audience to better connect with the topic and imagine the challenges that existed during that era.

Personally, this presentation was meaningful because I have an interest in the fire service and programs such as the Miami Dade College Fire Academy. Learning about Wesley Williams made me appreciate the history of the profession even more. Today, people from many different backgrounds have opportunities to become firefighters and leaders, but those opportunities exist because pioneers like Wesley Williams broke barriers decades ago. His story reminded me that every profession has individuals who helped create positive change for those who came after them.

Working as part of a group also taught me the importance of collaboration. Each member selected a different changemaker, and together our presentation demonstrated that people can make a difference in many different ways. Some changed laws, some inspired social movements, and others, like Wesley Williams, changed institutions by leading through courage and perseverance. Even though our topics were different, they all shared the common theme of creating opportunities and improving society.

One challenge I faced during this project was deciding what information to include. There was more information available than could fit into a few slides, so I had to decide what would be most meaningful to my audience. I learned that a good presentation does not try to include everything. Instead, it focuses on the key ideas and explains them clearly. I also worked on making my speaking notes more conversational so that I could connect with the audience rather than simply reading from the slides.

This project also changed my perspective on what it means to be a changemaker. Before, I thought a changemaker had to be someone who invented something revolutionary or led a famous movement. Now I understand that a changemaker is anyone whose actions create lasting positive change for others. Wesley Williams did not become famous because of one single event. He became a changemaker because his determination and leadership helped open doors for future generations of firefighters and challenged barriers that existed in society.

Overall, I am glad that I chose Wesley Augustus Williams for this presentation. His story is inspiring because it demonstrates that perseverance, courage, and dedication can create opportunities not only for yourself but also for countless others. Researching his life and preparing my presentation helped me become a better communicator while also teaching me valuable lessons about leadership and resilience. Most importantly, this experience reminded me that change often begins with one person who is willing to face challenges and refuse to give up. I hope to apply those lessons to my own education and future career by working hard, serving my community, and helping create opportunities for others just as Wesley Augustus Williams did.