Dallas’ Black Fire Fighters Turn up the Heat

This morning, the Dallas Morning News reports that the Dallas Black Fire Fighters Association has filed a lawsuit against the city of Dallas, alleging discrimination in the hiring, training, transfers, promotions, and discipline of 'minorities' and women.  The article by Tanya Eiserer states that a suit filed last month seeks more that $75,000 in damages for each person.  This is not the first time the Dallas Fire Department has been sued for discriminatory practices. I must admit, I'm always cautious when it comes to claims of racism.  I believe that any claim of discrimination, warranted or unwarranted, hurts each successive claim that is made.  So before anyone decides to use the so called "race card", there should be a well thought out plan in place, and all alternatives should be sought. With all that said, this does not excuse people or institutions who perpetuation racism and discrimination.  To most Americans (the so called majority or mainstream), claims of racial injustice have become tiresome and bothersome.  Most will admit that these evils still exist, but are hesitant when it comes to justice being served, or God forbid righting past wrongs.  The prevailing thought tends to be "let's just move forward." The Black Fire Fighters have a tough road ahead.  In these times of 'social conservatism,' those who seek a reckoning are often seen as trying to take the easy way out, or take advantage of their 'minority' status.  Yet as black folks read these charges, we can identify with them because we've seen it all at some point or another.  I think of the African-Americans that I know who have recently sought transfers, all of whom were denied.  There only choice was to go work somewhere else.  I won't even get started in the areas of hiring and promotions. The legal process is long and tedious, and there's no telling when this case may be tried or settled.  A similar suit filed by black firefighters in the late '80s wasn't settled by the City until the mid 1990's.  I only hope that the case is sound, and that justice will be served.

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