{"product_id":"9781492293484","title":"Hard Climb Up The Ladder: The Story of the First Black Fire Chief of A Major New England City","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen John Stewart joined the Hartford Fire Department in 1952 he was only the seventh African-American firefighter in the department's 150-year history. He made the grand total of $48.50 a week. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStewart faced deep-seated institutional racism, unofficial but widespread segregation tactics, and resentment. For years he was passed over for promotions despite his sterling service. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStewart persevered and eventually the promotions came. He became the first black officer in the department, and, in 1980, became Hartford, Connecticut's first African-American fire chief.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eHard Climb up the Ladder\u003c\/i\u003e chronicles Chief Stewart's determination and eventual success, from his early years through decades of service to his city. In addition to his firefighting career, Stewart became an elected city council official to help the poor and racial minorities of Hartford access city services. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn inspiration to those who know him, Chief John B. Stewart Jr. (ret.) proves hard work and perseverance can overcome bigotry and the status quo. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CreateSpace Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47048080261360,"sku":"9781492293484","price":21.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781492293484_p0.jpg?v=1763661299","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781492293484","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}