Remembering the Brave: Reflections on the Black Firefighters of 9/11
The stories of the 12 Black firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11 have been largely overlooked and forgotten. Despite their heroic sacrifice, they have not received the same recognition as their white counterparts. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has struggled with recruiting and retaining firefighters of color, with only 3% of its members being Black. These Black firefighters faced racism and discrimination within the department, and their stories have only recently come to light. The mothers of these fallen heroes have shown incredible strength and continue to honor their memory.