Richmond’s First African American Police Officers Marker

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Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Richmond’s First African American Police Officers

By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

1. Richmond's First African American Police Officers Marker

Inscription. On 1 May 1946, Richmond’s first professional African American police officers were hired and assigned to the First Precinct at Smith and Marshall Streets. They were Howard T. Braxton, Doctor P. Day, Frank S. Randolph, and John W. Vann. On 16 December 1949, Ruth B. Blair became the first professional African American female police officer hired and assigned to the Juvenile Division. On 18 July 1964, Sergeant Randolph was promoted to Detective Lieutenant. While challenged by segregated conditions and discriminatory practices, their perseverance created an inspiring legacy.

Erected 2003 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA 65.)

Location. 37° 33.038′ N, 77° 26.581′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of W Leigh Street (Virginia Route 33) and Brook Road, on the right when traveling east on W Leigh Street. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23220, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ebenezer Baptist Church (about 400 feet away, in a direct line); Bill “Bojangles” Robinson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); John Jasper (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of J. E. B. Stuart's Death (approx. 0.3 miles away); “I must save the women of Richmond!” (approx. 0.3 miles away); Saint Joseph Catholic Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bacon’s Quarter (approx. 0.4 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Richmond.

Marker on W Leigh Street at Brook Road Photo, Click for full size

By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

2. Marker on W Leigh Street at Brook Road

Credits. This page originally submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,125 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.