International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters collection

1969-1999

The International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF) was founded in September 1969, at a meeting attended by Black and other minority fire fighters of all ranks, from municipalities across the United States. They met to discuss various problems and issues affecting Black fire fighters: the recruitment of Black youth into the fire service; fire fighters and community relations with special emphasis on relations with the residents of neighborhoods inhabited by Blacks; intergroup relations and practices in fire departments; and the need to improve fire prevention programs in minority areas. Tpdau, the association represents more than 8000 fire service personnel including fire fighters, dispatchers, and individuals in related professions throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, organized into 180 chapters. The International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters collection is primarily limited to the Northeast region, where the organization was established. There are several items regarding the initial meeting, constitution, and by-laws, along with anecdotes by the first president about recruitment of minority fire fighters. Most of the collection is comprised of publications and papers related to IABPFF conferences. Also included are newsletters, printed material related to various chapters, some officers' correspondence, souvenir journals, and newspaper clippings. Additionally, there is printed matter from other organizations that are consistent with the aims of the IABPFF.