Tags: Philadelphia Stories

I spoke with Lloyd Ama at his daughter's home in West Philadelphia. Lloyd is 92 years old. He was born in his parents house located in South Philadelphia at 1244 S. 15th street on September 17, 1917. His mother, Ada Adams, was born in 1883 in Wilmington, North Carolina. His father, Kushi Amakawa, was born in 1873 in Kobe, Japan. Lloyd talks about his parents meeting for the first time and the disappearance of his father.

Michael realizes that the stories he's collecting from his father's former colleagues have meaning for him and his family.

I spoke with Walter Lindsay and Lloyd Alma At Walter's home in South Jersey. Walter and Lloyd are retired fireman from the Philadelphia Fire Department. They talk about Captain James G. Davis who instilled pride and camaraderie among the men at Engine 11 through discipline.

Engine 11 was an African American unit only, from 1919 - 1952. Walter and Lloyd are two of five surviving firefighters who worked at Engine 11 before it was desegregated in 1952.

I spoke with Walter Lidsay at his home in South Jersey. Walter Lindsay worked in the Philadelphia Fire Department from 1950 until 1977 when he retired as Battalion Chief. Walter talks about the start of desegregation at Engine 11 in 1952.

Engine 11 was an African American unit only, from 1919 - 1952. Walter is one of five surviving firefighters who worked at Engine 11 before it was desegregated in 1952.