Jackson Ward in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Richmond’s First African American Police Officers
Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007
1. Richmond's First African American Police Officers Marker
Inscription.
Richmond’s First African American Police Officers. . 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.
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. It is in the Jackson Ward. 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. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23220, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ebenezer Baptist Church (about 400 feet
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,066 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
