****
FDNY UNION STOOD UP FOR RACIAL EQUALITY
 |
| Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney |
 |
| Carolyn Maloney With Capt. Alexander Hagan |
 |
| Gwendolyn Gamble Remembers |
 |
| Capt. Alexander Hagan FDNY |
 |
| Members Of The FDNY |
 |
| C. Virgina Fields With Carolyn Maloney, Gwendolyn Gamble And Janice Kelsey |
 |
| C. Virginia Fields |
FDNY Capt. Al Hagen of The Uniformed Fire Officers Association and U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney joined civil rights leaders from Alabama to thank officers of the FDNY for going against the City of Birmingham and its Fire Department 50 years ago. The event took place at FDNY Engine Co. 21 located at 238 East 40th Street in Manhattan.
These Alabama civil rights leaders including, Janice Kelsey, Gwendolyn Gamble had fire hoses and attack dogs turned on them during a historic march when they were children. They were arrested and placed in jail. The FDNY stood up to social injustice and went against the City of Birmingham Fire Department by attacking and condemning them for their actions over 50 years ago. New York City's national Black Leadership Commission's C.Virgina Fields was also on hand.
On May 2, 1963 when much of the country was still segregated, hundreds of Birmingham children marched non-violently from the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church to downtown Birmingham. Birmingham fire officials ordered fire hoses and police dogs be turned on nearly 1,000 elementary, middle and high school students who were marching for social change. Boys' shirts were ripped off, and young women were pushed over the tops of cars by the force of the water. When the students crouched or fell, the blasts of water rolled them down the asphalt streets and concrete sidewalks. The incident known as "The Children's Crusade" caused a major media sensation and the controversy led to many anti-segregation laws being passed.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney also presented Capt. Alexander Hagan a proclamation from Congress.
Comments