Honoring the first black firemen in St. Pete

Nakengi Jones-Sultan, Rep. Newton and Alyshia Greene accepted the award for Alphonso Brown.

ST. PETERSBURG — Members of the Class of 1969 from Gibbs, St. Petersburg, Lakewood, Bishop Barry and Notre Dame High Schools sponsored a program dedicated to the first African-American firemen employed in the City of St. Petersburg last Saturday, Oct. 21 at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

While giving the occasion, former president of the NAACP Ray Tampa noted that in March of 1972, two African Americans joined the fire department and about six months later another two joined. By the time January of 1973 rolled around, two more had joined.

“All of these men were members of the Class of 1969,” he said.

In attendance to assist in honoring these, brave, courageous and dedicated first responders were Mayor Rick Kriseman, State Senator Darryl Rouson, Rep. Wengay Newton, City Councilmember Steve Kornell, Fire Chief James Large, Police Major Antonio Gilliam and a large contingent of other first responders, family and friends.

Eugene Curry (deceased), Alphonso Brown, Stanton Bernard Singletary, Eddie W. Utley, and Preston Riley Floyd were lavished with love and appreciation for the service they rendered to a grateful community as a result of navigating the challenges and struggles of the times (the early 70s).

Kriseman honored the men with plaques and keys to the city, Newton presented certificates of appreciation from the state legislature and the Class of 1969 presented plaques of appreciation as well.

Mayor Rick Kriseman and Preston Riley Floyd

However, the program’s highlights were comments delivered by two of the honorees, Singletary and Floyd. Both men recounted some rather unfortunate experiences working those early years.

Singletary stated there were times he felt it necessary to “sleep with one eye open” for fear of being harmed by his co-workers, specifically at 1B (Station 1, shift B). The racism was so overt that the eating area would empty out when he sat down for a meal.

He also shared how he had to go over and beyond what his white counterparts did in order to prove his ability to drive the fire engines. Singletary’s description of his experiences was very detailed and heartbreaking.

Floyd pointed out that he was the first African-American administrator (lieutenant) and his experiences were slightly different than those Singletary shared. Nevertheless, there were periods of discomfort that were the direct result of race.

Utley chose not to speak and Brown was unavailable to attend the program. However, everyone in attendance joined in congratulating the five members of the Class of ’69 who survived the challenges and struggles of being pioneers. All retired after earning full retirement benefits from the city.

Gentlemen, job well done!