It was August 30th that the Historic Black Police Precinct & Courthouse Museum’s monumental sign detailing the history of the first who utilized the venue was unveiled to the public. It stands proud as a symbol of the unity and determination of equality for the first black police officers and municipal judges.
It was 1944 that the Miami Police Department began hiring black police officers, five to be exact. Their names were Ralph White, John Milledge, Clyde Lee, Ed Kimble and Moody Hall. These brave officers fought against Jim Crow laws and segregation that greatly stunted their ability to properly carry out their work. There was no headquarters, cars, nor radio and they commuted via walking and biking. In spite of that, they persevered. Working from a dental office and later to a one bedroom in the “Central Negro District” it was 1950 that renowned Miami architect, Walter G. DeGarmo created the Black Police Precinct & Courthouse. It was the only building in the entire nation to operate as a completely separated station as well as a municipal court for the black community here in Miami Florida. This true story is one of perseverance and hardship for both a race and a community and how they eventually reached a state of equality.
Although, it can be debated if equality is still met today between police and community. Back then it was the hardships that united the black police with the community, yet it seems that in the modern day such a connection is lost. It appears that every day there is unjust police brutality in the news, on social media, in the minds of a frightened community. With the shooting of Treyvon Martin in 2013 sparking the famous Black Lives Matter movement and the recent surfacing of statistics of police officers’ connections with white supremacist groups, the public may have reason to fear or grow a leeriness towards the police.
The question is should we be concerned? Is that sense of community between the people and the police still a prevalent one? Are you fearful of police or feel safe with them around? What do you think? Please respond in the comment box below.
Add Comment