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The Valiants of Philadelphia is a fraternal society of Black and Latino firefighters in Pennsylvania, with the mission of encouraging urban youth to pursue public safety careers and promoting public safety and fire prevention through education.

Formed in 1962, the organization is a founding member of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. This organization addresses the issue of racial discrimination faced by African-American firefighters in the United States.

The Valiants is descended from the Vulcan Society of the Fire Department of New York, a fraternal order of black firefighters organized in 1940 to promote diversity and aid minority recruitment to the ranks of civil servants.

1940

Philadelphia Fire Lieutenant Samuel Singleton organized the Valiants in March 1962, as a counterpart to other "fraternals" recognized by the Philadelphia Fire Department, such as the Sons of Italy, "The Lambskins" (Masons), "The League of Sacred Heart",[2] and "The Shomrim" Society.[3] These were typically organized around religious or ethnic affinities and did not welcome blacks.

1962

The Philadelphia Fire Department had had African-American firefighters since 1886, but fire companies were segregated (though with white officers in the black companies) until 1952.[4] Before 1952, there were only two black fire companies. After 1952, African-Americans began entering the Philadelphia Fire Department in greater numbers, but integration often resulted in racial animosity and tension.[5]

The Valiants originally formed to hold dinners and bring their families together. Al Means and Howard Rhone were the first co-presidents. Realizing they had more to do, the Valiants began reaching out to the younger recruits, performing fire prevention outreach to the minority community and volunteering at charity functions.

1952

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