Ken Dalton is the founder of Our Story, Inc., and has been a civic champion for Northern Nevada for over thirty years. His accomplishments and awards are many. Our Story, Inc. showcases the contributions of African-Americans and persons of color who have made a positive difference in their community.
UNSUNG STORIES
In 1985, Dalton was among a small group of the first African-American firefighters to be hired by the Reno Fire Department. “I thought that was kind of astonishing … we were the first ones,” Dalton said of his groundbreaking hiring.
His own story and the stories of everyday people paving the way for Northern Nevadans of color are what prompted him to start the nonprofit as a way of collecting and preserving the region’s unsung histories.
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Among his many accomplishments, Ken and his wife Demetrice helped open the Northern Nevada African American Firefighter Museum in the historic Black Springs Volunteer Fire Department building. The museum’s mission is to reflect the unity of the community by promoting the cultures & history of local firefighters.
Before his passing, Dalton worked tirelessly preserving history by amassing writings, oral histories and artifacts honoring and remembering the accomplishments of underrepresented community members across the region.
On Your 6 is honored to share in Kenny’s passion for telling the stories of everyday unsung heroes, ensuring future generations can see, and learn, from those who came before them.
Personal info:
Ken was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, and attended and played football at Washington State University from 1978-1981. He has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from TMCC.
Kenny served as a past president of Reno Sparks NAACP, board member for the Lear Theater project, member of the Reno Black Firefighters and Reno Fire Union Local 731 and one of the producers of “Reno Sparks NAACP Today” show.
