Igniting Integration: Remembering the Legacy

In conjunction with the Igniting Integration! exhibition, please join us for Remembering the Legacy, a conversation with the children of some of Baltimore City Fire Department’s (BCFD) first African American fire fighters and officials.  George Collins, President and Founder of the African American Fire Fighters Historical Society, welcomes special guests: Singleton Bascom-Wyche, daughter of BCFD Fire Commissioner Marion C. Bascom; Samadah Mubda-Bey, daughter of BCFD Class of 1954 & Fire Board President James Crockett; and Charlene Jefferson, daughter of BCFD Class of 1954 Fire Fighter James Edwards.

On view through November 24, Igniting Integration! explores the rarely told history of African American firefighters in Baltimore. This exhibition is developed by The African American Fire Fighters Historical Society. Their mission is to collect, preserve, and disseminate historical data and information relating to the contributions made by firefighters of color and others who have made a contribution to such history.

The African American Fire Fighters Historical Society (AAFFHS) was founded January 23, 2009, to celebrate 55 years since the first Black firefighters were hired in Baltimore City. We discovered many unique stories from various jurisdictions across the nation, calling us to fill the void of this unknown history. AAFFHS is a 501C (3) Charitable Organization and is the only entity in the world that highlights African American fire service history on a regular basis.