First Black WFD firefighter since the 1898 massacre talks about his service

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - After the 1898 massacre, it took over six decades for the next African American to work at the Wilmington Fire Department.

In 1898, white supremacist overthrew the Wilmington government, which resulted in thousands of African Americans losing their lives and fleeing the city. Before the massacre, African Americans held high positions in the local government.

African Americans also worked as police officers and firefighters working to serve the Wilmington community.

Over time, the city began to rebuild from the events of 1898. Over six decades later, the Wilmington Fire Department hired the first African American Firefighter in the 1960′s.

The man’s name is Russell Jackson. He unknowingly made history by accepting a position at the Wilmington Fire Department.

“You know I had a mediocre job, and I was looking for something better to do. And I took the test and they called me down and offered me a job,” said Jackson.

He says at first, he was unaware that he was the first black person to be hired since 1898. He found out shortly after he started. Jackson says he did not talk about the 1898 massacre with friends or family.

“I didn’t really understand what had taken place because all through high school we never, I never heard anything about that. You never heard it, no one spoke about that. And my grandparents was involved in it. But they never spoke about that, and of course, it was it was another hard pill to swallow. But we got through it,” said Jackson.

He says it was never his goal to make history. He was simply focused on the job of being a firefighter.

“It’s all about change. And it shows that the times are changing maybe not as fast and quickly as we wanted to. But they are changing. And I hope it continues to change and get better,” said Jackson.

He acknowledges how his actions have opened the doors for others and he is happy to set an example.

“I have a neighbor who lives around the corner from me, he was also a fireman. And every time I would see him, he would thank me for opening the door for him. And that makes you feel kind of good,” said Jackson.

He says it was an overall positive experience. Jackson looks back at time fondly, he says the job was exciting and he enjoyed working with his fellow firefighters.

“We got along together,” said Jackson. He says the focus was always on getting the job done and never felt alone.

Jackson says his favorite parts of the job were the training and the comradery between him and the rest of the firefighters. He says it was never about race but about keeping the community safe.