PHOTOS/VIDEO: Twelve men made history in 1955 as the first African Americans firefighters in Memphis. They faced and pushed through poor living conditions and discrimination with being forced in segregated quarters at Fire Station 8 at Mississippi and Crump and the institutional racism due to them being second-class citizens Wednesday, the Fire Museum of Memphis opened a new exhibit to honor those men along with current and previous African American firefighters. You will find pictures dating back to 1955 as well as other historical significant items that show the journey to fair hiring processes. “We are so excited to be able to showcase this exhibit at the museum. It’s an important part of the history of the city,” states Kimberly Crafton, executive director for the museum.