for almost 100 years, african-americans have been members of the los angeles city fire department (lafd) and have historically faced major obstacles to equal employment opportunities. while there have been some improvements over the years, discriminatory hiring and promotional practices, which represent significant barriers for minority members of the lafd, remain. double standards, subjective judgements and institutionalized discrimination still serve as an effective barrier against equal and fair promotional practices. a review of minority members, in middle and upper level management positions, is clear evidence of the ongoing problem of discrimination faced by our members. the lafd has become polarized, not only within itself, but also within the high risk communities it serves. the lafd is one of the fire departments who must protect itself from the very people it is supposed to serve. the los angeles city council's resolution #94.0585 dated april 12, 1994, directed the personnel department to study the lafd. this study was to review the entry level process and all procedures and factors relevant to promotion and advancement within the fire department as they relate to minorities and females. this represents an important opportunity for objective evaluation and for change. the los angeles city stentorians is an african-american firefighter's association dedicated to the professional advancement of its members. therefore, we have a real stake in ensuring that the personnel department's study objectively evaluates and highlights the lafd's present promotional and employment practices. we are confident that an honest review of the present employment conditions in the lafd will lead to the conclusion that a fundamental lack of equal opportunity exists and that certain safeguards, policies and procedures are needed to level the playing field. the stentorian organization would like to see an lafd united within itself. where all members are treated equally, and job satisfaction is not only experienced by each member, but is also displayed to the communities in which we live and serve.