RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- People driving past the McLaurin parking lot at 11 South East Street on Saturday saw a solemn group gathered there. Firefighters, elected officials and history buffs heard "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at the start of a Black History Month Celebration that honored African American public safety pioneers.
Earl Ijames, a curator with the North Carolina Museum of History spoke during the ceremony. He explained to ABC11: "The Victor Fire Company organized here in Raleigh. All Black, formerly enslaved people. Got their name because they were first in one of the early firefighter competitions that was held here in Raleigh for all firefighters in the state, Black and white."