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
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.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1946.
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
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ebenezer Baptist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Leigh Street Armory (about 500 feet away); Bill “Bojangles” Robinson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Officer Vernon L. Jarrelle (approx. 0.2 miles away); Charles Sidney Gilpin (approx. ¼ mile away); Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); John Jasper (approx. ¼ mile away); Friends Asylum for Colored Orphans (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007
2. Marker on W Leigh Street at Brook Road
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 1,974 times since then and 138 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.
