WALTER R. MICKENS VFW POST 6021/ WILLIAM WEECH AMERICAN LEGION POST 169

Following World War II, returning African American veterans faced segregation and were forced to establish their own veterans’ association posts. African American members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars in Key West united to build one post for both groups. Former Key West Mayor C.B. Harvey donated the plans and other members of the community contributed funds and materials. Post members worked on the construction in their free time. Completed in 1952, the building was named in honor of Key West veterans Water R. Mickens, killed in World War II, and William Weech, killed in the 1898 explosion of the U.S.S. Maine. In addition to serving Key West's military personnel, the post functioned as a community center. It hosted meetings, fundraisers, dances, and served as a storm and fire shelter. The post was part of the “Chitlin Circuit,” a network of venues across the United States that welcomed black entertainers. Performers such as Ruth Brown, Dinah Washington, B.B. King, James Brown, and Otis Redding played here. In 1963, the first meetings to discuss the integration of Monroe County public schools were held in the building. The post was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.