For those of you who believe there is no racism or discrimination in America's Fire departments, think again. Poor Man's Lotto: Memoirs of a Black Firefighter in America brings to light the racial predjudices that are still part of this courageous group of men. Now only if they can find the courage to face their discriminatory practices. As Former Director of Emergency Services and Homeland Security, it disturbs me greatly and deeply that this continues to be a norm in this agency. Hopefully, Poor Man's Lotto will open not only your eyes but also your minds. Personally, I would be scared to go into a hazardous environment knowing how some of you really feel about Blacks!
I mean like what acts of negativity were thrown at you as a result of your probationary period
Examples
1. I was woke up at what ever time my supervisor felt like waking me up at handed a bottle of wax and had to have all 9 pieces of equipment waxed before the next shift showed up. Latest I slept and still had to do that was 5:15 a.m. and shift change was at 7.
2. Did all chores by my self, Everyday.
3. Had to clean up after my superiors dog.
These are just a few and oh by the way my superior was female and I was a young male who wanted in. She was determined to make me quit. Too bad I got fired before that could happen.
what happened to me wasnt about being a probie. I know the probie gets the short end of the stick. One of the things that happen to me was in probie school. The noose incident. We were all probies when that happened, and white firefighters were upset and offended by that situation as well. I also talk about how some black firefighters are bent on being jealous of other blacks. Do you call that racism? Things like that is in the book. There is something in the book that we all can relate to one way or another. Its not all bad stuff, just stuff. I will call it an eye opener.....
Hi Earnest.
You sold me on your book. I'll check it out when I find it.
Also, congratulations on two accounts. #1-fighting through all the negative to get the positive. Very admirable. And in doing so, I think that the experiences you went through makes for a truly well rounded individual. #2- You managed to save you book from burning up in the hands of your "publisher". Nice save. I believe you may have changed some of our minds who might have thought against buying your book. I know mine has changed.
Ok,..so, truthfully now....Your publisher says he has some psychology schooling under his belt. Was this whole good guy/bad guy thing all set up by you two together to help sell the book? I'm still going to get the book mind you, He just seemed too much for me. Then when things started going the other way, poof, here you are. I'm not attacking or defending, all I wanna say is that, if this was indeed a plan from the start, good job to you. Pretty smart. Or am I just looking for the conspiracy in it. I think now I'll be play the part of the ostrich because I'm sure I'll hear lots about THIS reply. But really, freedom of speech, and it was on my mind so I asked the question. No disrepect intended.
Keep safe and have fun
I was the one who said the Sherill, the publisher was here to create a stir and to sell a few books.
Yes; I said it.
Was I wrong?
Don't think so.
TCSS.
Art