This year marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Engine Company 21, Chicago’s first organized paid African American firefighting company. In recognition of Black History Month, this program will provide information and insight on the transition from slavery to freedom in the African American community and the political impact that affected change for African American firefighters, during the period of reconstruction in America.

The presentation will be given by Dekalb Walcott, Jr., author of Black Heroes of Fire. Walcott is a retired Batallion Chief who served 31 years with the Chicago Fire Department and helped the city establish a smoke detector and carbon monoxide ordinance in the mid-1980s. He serves as the historian for the African American Firefighters and Paramedic League of Chicago.

Co-sponsored by Glessner House, Quinn Chapel AME Church, Friends of Historic Second Church, and Second Presbyterian Church.

Free admission, registration not required.