Retired Captain Steven L. Shipp, the FIRST African American Legendary Fire Chief Battalion of Concord, NC will share his journey of going from a Volunteer Fireman to Fire Chief Battalion during the post Civil Rights era of the 70s where racial tension was still on the rise. He was the highest ranking African American fireman to have worked at the Concord City Fire Department and the First African American fireman employed by the city of Concord to be promoted to this position.

With all of the turmoil that Mr. Shipp faced during his journey, he was still able to rise like a phoenix and pave the way for other entrepreneurs of Concord, Charlotte, and other surrounding cities. He's a serial entrepreneur that has created multiple businesses and job opportunities for the community of Concord.