Remembering the Sacrifices of Black Firefighters
The Black Fire Brigade paid tribute to the sacrifices of Black firefighters, including 12 FDNY Vulcan Society members who perished during the 9/11 attacks. The ceremony, held at the renovated African American Firefighters Museum, honored the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who responded to the attacks.
A Noble Profession with Genuine Career Potential
The Black Fire Brigade is crucial to ensuring the sacrifices of Black firefighters are not forgotten. They also help young people see firefighting as a noble profession with genuine career potential. The organization recruits, trains, and provides employment opportunities to African Americans ages 18-30 who want to become medical technicians and firefighters.
The Ceremony
On Wednesday, September 11, the Black Fire Brigade held an official 9/11 Bell Ringing Ceremony at 5349 S. Wabash. The event honored the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who responded to the 9/11 attacks. Among those fallen heroes were 12 members of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Black Vulcan Society, a group founded in 1940 to address discrimination within the department.
Guest Speakers
The guest speakers were Fire Marshall John Coombs, rapper Masta Ace, hailing from New York City, Illinois State Representative for the 31st District Michael Crawford, and Chicago rapper Rhymefest. Masta Ace reflected on 9/11 and noted the significant media focus on the Black firefighters during that time.
The Black Fire Brigade’s Mission
The Black Fire Brigade is a not-for-profit organization that recruits, trains, and provides employment opportunities to African Americans ages 18-30 who want to become medical technicians and firefighters. During the ceremony, Black Fire Brigade Executive Director Terri Winston was honored by her colleagues, students, and coworkers. Winston stated that the organization recruits individuals, sends them to school, and they undergo EMT training for four months. By the fifth month, they obtain their national certification and are automatically employed, meaning they’re not job-hunting but working with the company where they trained.
Conclusion
The Black Fire Brigade’s focus is on the possibilities that lie ahead. The organization acknowledges the progress made today, but it reminds us that its efforts are not limited to isolated moments but contribute to the future trajectory of Black firefighters and emergency medical service workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Black Fire Brigade?
A: The Black Fire Brigade is a not-for-profit organization that recruits, trains, and provides employment opportunities to African Americans ages 18-30 who want to become medical technicians and firefighters.
Q: What is the Black Fire Brigade’s mission?
A: The Black Fire Brigade’s mission is to ensure the sacrifices of Black firefighters are not forgotten and to help young people see firefighting as a noble profession with genuine career potential.
Q: What is the significance of the 9/11 Bell Ringing Ceremony?
A: The 9/11 Bell Ringing Ceremony is a tribute to the sacrifices of Black firefighters who perished during the 9/11 attacks. The ceremony honors the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who responded to the attacks.
Q: How does the Black Fire Brigade support its recruits?
A: The Black Fire Brigade recruits individuals, sends them to school, and they undergo EMT training for four months. By the fifth month, they obtain their national certification and are automatically employed, meaning they’re not job-hunting but working with the company where they trained.
