Philadelphia (February 27, 2014) – On Thursday February 27th, Peace Islands Institute held its monthly Lunch & Learn Series at its Center City office. The theme was “History of African Americans in the Fire Service.” The program began with a reception and lunch, followed by the welcome speech presented by Mr. Feyzi Eygoren, Outreach Coordinator of Peace Islands Institute.

The guest speaker was Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers; who has devoted 38 years to public service in every rank in the Philadelphia Fire Department. Mr. Ayers began by talking about the range of duties of the fire department; and spoke about the general history of the establishment of the fire service in America, going back to Benjamin Franklin’s assistance in starting the first fire service in Philadelphia.

Commissioner Ayers went on to speak about the untold history of enslaved people who were apart of fire fighting; but did not receive recognition, due to their status as slaves. He also spoke about how in the 18th century, African Americans tried to form the African Fire Association; but were confronted by mobs, and ultimately forced to apologize for trying to do so.

Eventually, African Americans were recognized as firefighters; but suffered under the racism of the Jim Crow era. During the Civil Rights era, African American firefighters refused to turn their fire hoses on protesters; and led in acts that would change the face of the fire department in the United States.

The luncheon ended with a Q & A, and a gift presented to Fire Commissioner Ayers from Peace Islands Institute.”