A nonprofit organization established to recognize the contributions of firefighters of color will restore an abandoned firehouse in Baltimore’s Oliver neighborhood into what they hope will become a major East Coast museum and tourist attraction that celebrates their mission.
The African American Fire Fighters Historical Society, founded by a former Baltimore firefighter in 2009, seeks to promote the voices and stories of the Black men and women who have served in a predominantly white field as well as provide mentorship to the next generation. As of 2018, Black people in the United States make up about 8% of those who serve as career firefighters, and women in general account for less than 5% of the membership, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. The department does not break down how many career firefighters are Black women.