African American firefighters in Mansfield visited Prospect Elementary School on Thursday to begin a series of Black History Month activities.
The men, whose service with the Mansfield Fire Department totals more than 100 years, talked with third-graders about their experiences as firefighters.The group included Cournal Canada, the city’s first black firefighter; Andrea Cochran, fire inspector; Link Briggs, firefighter/chaplain; Isaiah Finley and retired firefighter Mark Caldwell.
Pastor Jeffrey D. Jones of First Baptist Want To Do Ministries, read to first-graders from his published book, “I’m just saying … seeing is believing,” which emphaizes good character and accountability, and the Shiloh Baptist Church Praise Dancers will perform.
Other scheduled events include:
Today: 9:30 AM – Ray J. Cochran, Assistant Pastor of Oasis of Love, will read to students; 1:30 PM – Ashley Jordan, executive director of the Evansville (Ind.) African American Museum, will have a presentation for students.
Tuesday – Members of The Columbus Buffalo Soldiers MC will interact with Prospect students to explain the heritage of African American soldiers who filled the ranks of the U.S. Army’s 9th and 10th Cavalry on the western plains during the late 1800s.
Source, Photo: Mansfield City Schools
