The Black Fire Brigade (BFB) recently celebrated a significant expansion in their mission to nurture a new generation of first responders, with the grand opening of their BFB Educational Center in Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood. This milestone marks six years of the organization's tireless service led by retired firefighter and BFB founder Quention Curtis and Terri Winston, contributing to a sea change in community empowerment and public safety.
Establishing itself as both a beacon of hope and a practical engine for change, the organization has successfully trained and placed every one of its 700 students into jobs as firefighters or EMTs—a testament to its effectiveness. Not only has the Brigade provided life-saving skills, but it also actively shapes the life paths of youth, often transforming those who may have been considered at-risk into community heroes. According to a CBS News Chicago report, with a stern but caring ethos, Winston has been clear with potential recruits: "Drop the weed, because I'm going to drop you. You gonna drop. If you gonna test positive, we gonna get rid of you. These kids give up weed and alcohol to roll with us."
The BFB's new educational center is housed in a former firehouse near 53rd and Wabash and boasts impressive facilities including a fire engine, two ambulances, and two medcarts. This hands-on environment provides a concrete sense of the vehicles and equipment that these future first responders will need to master. Curtis, also known as Lt. Q, emphasizes the value of representation, stating in a CBS News Chicago interview, "So they don't see us, so they don't believe us, so they don't know if they can become us. So that's why Black firefighters in a Black community, Black police officers, Black first responders, period, inside their own communities is key – because now you see yourself. You have a vision."
The Brigade celebrated its achievements and vision for the future with community members, local leaders, and key supporters at the grand opening of the educational center. Terri Winston took to demonstrating a strong need for continued support and engagement, "We are here to celebrate the incredible strides we’ve made and to reaffirm our commitment to training the next generation of first responders," as Lt. Curtis stated at the event covered by The Chicago Defender. The organization, remaining articulately committed to excellence in public safety, invites those unable to attend the grand opening to participate by visiting their website and supporting future educational programs.
Financially, the BFB has seen robust support, with funding coming directly from Curtis's own pocket and generous donations, including pledging support from the Governor of Illinois. Thanks to this funding, they have covered the tuition costs of hundreds of students since 201 Jewel Wicker has noted in their efforts to address not only the training of young individuals but also a broader spectrum of community improvement, illustrating this is one of the state's leading crime prevention programs by Curtis's account. "You don't have to worry about this kid shooting at you. Why? They're busy. They got a job. They're out here. Now they're trying to save your life, not take your life," he told CBS News Chicago.
