A viral video shows online streamer IShowSpeed visiting his great-grandfather Harold Watkins, revealing that Watkins was the first African American fire chief of Detroit.
In the video, IShowSpeed shares an old article about Watkins on his phone, highlighting his remarkable achievement.
IShowSpeed revealed that his grandfather “Harold Watkins” was the first black chief of the firefighting division in Detroit 👀 pic.twitter.com/bkJ8ajgbFv
— Snippd (@snippedceo) September 7, 2025
Who Is Harold Watkins?
According to the Detroit Fire Department,
“The first African American fire chief was Harold Watkins in 1988.”
The department added:
“Today the Detroit Fire Department has eight divisions that range from firefighting to community relations. The firefighting division consists of approximately 821 firefighters housed in 46 strategic locations throughout the city.”
Netizens Celebrate the Legacy
Fans took to the comments on X to celebrate both IShowSpeed and his great-grandfather:
- “Speed’s content is so wholesome, glad he has the success he has. His great grandpa being the first African American fire chief of Detroit shows that he’s got greatness in his blood. Based af.”
- “Woah. Great grandpa still looking good.”
- “Incredible legacy of leadership and community impact. Breaking barriers creates generational inspiration.”
Family Background
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins, is the son of Darren Watkins Sr, born in Ohio in March 1983. Watkins Sr was the son of Larry Watkins and Elizabeth Watkins and also had a brother named Wayne Watkins.
