|
|
Article: Museum for black firefighters progresses
- Article from:
- SouthtownStar (Chicago, IL)
- Article date:
- May 9, 2008
CopyrightCopyright, 2008, SouthtownStar (Chicago, IL). All rights reserved. REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED. (Hide copyright information)
|
By Fran Spielman Sun-Times News Group When Henry Webster joined the Chicago Fire Department in 1950, there were 66 black firefighters. They were housed in separate companies and were commanded by white officers. Thirteen years later, Webster became the Jackie Robinson of the fire department - one of four black firefighters to integrate a fire company. Although he was the "oldest guy there," Webster said he was put on the "hand pump," a lowly assignment normally reserved for rookies. "I fought for integration, and I was knocked on both sides - black and white. They thought I was crazy. But I figured if we could infiltrate the system, we got a better chance of moving up the ladder," said ...