Our History

Madam President, Chief Prignano, Members of the Rhode Island Minority Police Officers' Association, ladies and gentlemen. Good evening and thank you for your generous invitation to speak to such a distinguished body. I am thrilled to be here. I promised Arthur Sweeney that I would not be long and as a federal prosecutor it is my duty to keep my promises. Of course as a lawyer, I know that the phrase "not that long" is subject to interpretation -- but I really have only a couple of points to make that I hope you will find interesting, and I appreciate your attention.

Before I begin I would like to make a presentation to your President. Madam President, if I may, I have a gift for you. It is a book. It is a book about HONOR, NOBILITY, and BRAVERY! It is a book about WARRIORS! It is a book about you and your members. It is entitled "Black Police in America" by W. Marvin Delaney, and I hope that you will add it to your library and accept it on behalf of your membership.

"Black Police in America" was published in February of this year and is a scholarly look at the history of minority police officers in the United States. I am grateful for the author's diligence in writing his book and acknowledge his contribution to my presentation this evening.

An interesting sidenote is that the forward to the book is written by Charleston, S.C. Police Chief, Reuben M. Greenberg. Now, you may be familiar with Chief Greenberg. A few years back 60 Minutes did a flattering character piece on him and he is recognized as an innovative leader in the field of community policing. You may want to think about Chief Greenberg the next time you feel discriminated against by the system. Chief Greenberg is a Black, Jew from Texas leading a metropolitan police force in South Carolina. I submit that it doesn't get much harder than that!

I hope to make two points tonight which I trust will inspire you beyond this evening to think about your role as minority police officers. My first point is to KNOW YOUR HISTORY and my second point is to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ROLE IN HISTORY.

Let me begin by saying that I bring you your history through the eyes of the Providence Police Department. That is where RIMPA was born and where a majority of your members come from. The lessons of history pertain to each of us, however, whether you are a State Police Trooper, a DEA Agent, a federal prosecutor, a Campus Police Officer, an ACI Correctional Officer, or a Deputy Sheriff. Our histories parallel the history of the Providence Police Department because as Minority law enforcement professionals we share a common BOND and a common DUTY!

Personally, I am forever grateful to the United States Attorney Sheldon Whitehouse for appointing me the second Black federal prosecutor in the history of Rhode Island and the first in 30 years following in the footsteps of now retired Superior Court Judge Alton W. Wiley. Like you with your fellow officers, I have a common bond with Judge Wiley and a common duty. My duty, is to carry on the tradition of those who preceded me and pave the way for those who follow. I would like to note, however, that my remarks are brought to you tonight in my personal capacity and in no way reflect the views of the United States Attorney or the Department of Justice.

While I am on the subject of the federal system let me make a few observations that will bring you up to date on the history of your federal colleagues. The first Black Deputy Federal Marshal in Rhode Island was my fraternity brother, Melvin Graham, who was appointed under then Marshal, and now Providence Police Commissioner John Partington in 1980. Melvin is now a Special Agent with the INS. Cliff Moore became a Deputy Marshall in 1985 and is still here in Rhode Island with the Marshall's Service. At DEA, Terry Parham was the first Black Agent and he was followed by Bob Botello who is still in Rhode Island and present here this evening. At ATF, Henry Monice pulled a second first which you will hear a little more about later, and was the first Black ATF Agent in Rhode Island. Matt Horace and Monty Monteiro followed Hank at ATF and, as far as I know, that is it for the federal family. The FBI and the Secret Service still await their first Black agents in Rhode Island.

Now why do I mention this to you? I mention it because of the importance of knowing your history.

I. IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING ONE'S HISTORY!

Why is history important? History is important because when we know our history, we know what our responsibilities are. Our DUTY becomes CLEAR!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit to you that we know it is our DUTY to vote because Martin Luther King, Jr. died at the hands of an assassin in 1968 after his leadership led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. We know that education is our DUTY because Charles Hamilton Houston, Thurgood Marshall, and Jack Greenberg, among many others, risked the Hangman's noose or the assassin's bullet in Selma, in Little Rock, in Mississippi, and in Boston -- so that the education available to the most privileged of us -- would be available to the least privileged of us. We know that public service is our DUTY because famed abolitionist and Deputy United States Marshall Frederick Douglas; William Haste, the first Black federal judge; retired National Security Advisor and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin Powell; Los Angeles Police Chief Willie Williams; and United States Attorney and Deputy Attorney General of the United States, Wayne A. Budd, -- all sacrificed personal wealth and private careers to blaze a trail and prove to the American people that men and women of color - from different backgrounds and of different views - could serve their country in the highest echelons of public service without abandoning the hopes and concerns of their people.

So I present to you the distinguished history of the minority officers of the Providence Police Department and the history of minority officers in the United States, so that hopefully, when I am finished, your MISSION and therefore your DUTY will be self evident.

II. Providence Police Department History

The first Black police officer in the City of Providence was Alfred Lima, Sr., who was sworn-in in 1947. Next year we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of minority officers on the Providence Police Department. I look forward to celebrating your Golden Anniversary with you and trust that the City of Providence will look forward to working with RIMPA to plan a celebration worthy of 50 years of proud and dedicated service.

Alfred Lima, Sr. was a veteran of WWII who fought for his country against Nazi Germany in the European Theater of Operations and who has a son, Alfred Lima, Jr., who is a second generation Providence Police Officer currently serving in the Department. The very next year, 1948, three more Black officers -- Horace Craig, Manuel Rodrigues (Rod-er-ricks), and Vernan Dunlap -- joined the force. Like Alfred Lima, Horace Craig was also a WWII veteran of the European Theater. Interestingly, both officers Craig and Rodriguez reached the rank of Lieutenant before retiring. Rodriguez was the first and Craig second, though Lieutenant Craig was the first Black homicide detective. Ironically, it wasn't until September 25, 1995, when Major Cornell Young was promoted to his present rank that a minority officer rose above the rank of Sergeant after Craig and Rodrigues. The Sergeants in the Providence Police Department have included Harold Doran, Johnnie Cook, Harold Brown, and Bill Francis.

In addition to African-Americans, Hispanics have also played an important role in the evolution of minority officers on the force. One in particular I would like to mention because he is my friend and my colleague. He is a man of great personal dignity who came to this country as an adult without knowing how to speak English. In fact, he taught himself the language by watching Sesame Street (ceiling, floor -- hand, eye -- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5!). I remember him telling that at age 26 it took him 6 months to learn English and then--when he was accepted into the U.S. Army--he was sent down South and he discovered that they speak a different English altogether. Imagine his confusion! As most of you know he has been chosen as one of ten national finalists for the prestigious, Top Cop Award, and he will be recognized at the White House this fall, and I for one am betting that our brother brings home the Gold. Ladies and gentlemen please recognize Detective Freddie Rocha of the Providence Police Department.

 

(Mi amigo te saludo por tu animo y por tus realizaciones.)

Now, getting back to Lt. Craig, let's look at what pearls of wisdom he had to offer each of you. I spoke with Lt. Craig in researching my address this evening. I asked him if it was difficult and whether he harbored any grudges? I also asked him how he responded to being called an "Uncle Tom" for being so closely associated with the "Man" and whether he felt slighted by his white brethren? I also asked him what was the secret to his success and what advice he might have for today's Centurions?

I was surprised and buoyed by his responses. He said it wasn't as difficult as you might think. He said he took the police exam at his wife's instigation and was qualified in every respect. He said he demanded the respect of his white officers and he received it. He said his philosophy was to carry himself with dignity. He didn't act like a clown or play grab ass with his fellow officers and, therefore, none of them felt comfortable doing that to him. He also said that when it was his turn and he was eligible, he studied hard and took every promotional exam that he was qualified to take. Through hard work and diligence--he earned his command rank!

His response to the question about being viewed as an "Uncle Tom," was predictably elegant. He said he would ask -- "and what are you doing with your life?" Only those who have nothing to protect can find dishonor in those who are willing to serve their community both Black and white. Ladies and gentlemen -- I don't know if Lt. Craig or his three colleagues are here tonight -- but, I ask that we take a moment and recognize them: Officers Lima, Craig, Rodrigues and Dunlap -- true American heroes!

In 1959, by the time now Rhode Island Deputy Sheriff Cliff Monteiro joined the Providence Police Department there were 16 minority officers on the job and he made the 17th. Officer Monteiro remembers how in 1960, after one of the country's first race based riots here in Rhode Island, that for almost a year, only Black officers were allowed to patrol in South Providence for fear of escalating tensions. They did it with 17 men. Cliff remembers that this was in the days before the invention of two-way radios and officers making arrests would have to escort prisoners to the nearest call box and phone the station for transport. He remembers that the claw (a single handcuff link with a twist top) was a very useful tool. The claw was also referred to as the "come along", because that's exactly what you did when it was attached to you: you just came along.

Also noteworthy from the early days was that Allen Waters was assigned as the first Black motorcycle officer on the force. The assignment was highly cherished and a testament to Waters' character. His son, also named Allen, is an investment broker with Merrill Lynch. I have the pleasure of knowing his grandson, Sean Waters, who is a fine young man who attends the College of the Holy Cross. Sean bussed down to D.C. with his fellow students for the Million Man March and last year stood in solidarity with the Black athletes on campus, who refused to practice until the administration rescinded its order to integrate the Black Student Union Board of Directors. That is what a proud family history can do!

The first female minority officers in Providence were Tonya King and Barbara Texeira who were in the class of 1987. There has never been a minority female Sergeant in Providence but we have not given up hope! If the results of the latest Sergeant's exam hold true, we won't have to wait much longer! Today 69 of the department's approximately 418 officers are minorities.

Let me also mention a word or two about the Rhode Island State Police. The first Black associated with the Rhode Island State Police was not a Trooper, yet he was as close to former Colonel Stone as any minority Trooper ever was. Bill Pedeford was the former Colonel's "Man Friday," who drove the colonel, performed various errands and who otherwise enjoyed the Colonel's protection. He and the Colonel met when Colonel Stone was with the Providence Police Department and Pedeford, who was a civilian, drove the horse drawn paddy wagon for the Providence Police Department. Mr. Pedeford is an inexorable link to the African-Americans of the Rhode Island State Police.

The first Black Trooper was Henry Monice who joined in 1969 and who as I mentioned earlier , left for a career with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Maurice Jackson was next in 1970 and Ronald Madison joined in 1971. Madison retired in 1995 as a Lieutenant, the first and only Black to hold such rank in the history of the Rhode Island State Police. Today, the highest ranking and senior member of the Rhode Island State Police is Cpl. Robert Cruz, who was a member of the Class of 1979.

The first State Police class to have more than one Black member was the Class of 1987 which featured now Detective Herman "Buddy" Snead, Leroy Rose and Buddy's nephew, Clay Snead ( and of course, a third, Snead, Richard, is a member of the Providence Police Department).

In 1990, John A'Vant, whose brother Angelo is a Providence SIB officer, joined the State Police. The first Black Woman Trooper was Sheree Russell who joined the State Police in 1992. Trooper Russell is also an attorney who finished first in academics in her academy class. There were 3 other Black members of the Class of 1992: Wilford Hill, Mark Lidsky, and Ken Bell. And that is it for Black troopers on the Rhode Island State Police. There have been a total of twelve officers since 1925, with nine of the twelve currently serving, and eight of them, appointed in the last ten years.

III. HISTORY OF MINORITY OFFICERS IN AMERICA

Now let me give you some insight into the history of Black police officers in the United States. It offers some interesting parallels, as well as some notable distinctions with the history of minorities on the Providence Police Department. For instance, we know that your struggle has been great and your obstacles many, but consider if you will the City of Atlanta, which today has a police force which is nearly 50% minority.

In 1948, the same year that Officers Craig, Rodriguez and Dunlap took their oaths, (the same year incidently, that my father-in-law, Richard Santos, Sr., was sworn in as the first Black policeman in the City of East Providence), Claude Dixon was one of 8 Black officers sworn-in in Atlanta and he took the following oath:

 

"I do solemnly swear as a nigger policeman that I will uphold the segregation laws of the City of Atlanta."

Say What?

"I do solemnly swear as a nigger policeman that I will uphold the segregation laws of the City of Atlanta."

Where did it all begin? In the early 1700's, most American colonies had enacted a system of codes that were known as the Negro Codes. The Negro Codes prevented Blacks from assembling in groups, possessing weapons and leaving plantations.

By the middle of the 18th century every southern colony had an established "Slave Patrol" or what were known as "Patterollers." These Patterollers were all white. The "Patterollers" were the first distinctly American police system, and helped set the tone for the modern relationship between the minority community and its police force.

The British system made famous by Sir Robert Peel, came along in the North after the formation of the "Slave Patrols" and thus, in fact, the British model was the second American police system. It never ceases to amaze me how American History conveniently fails to recall the color line when telling its version of history.

In any event, in the North, by 1850, most American cities began to formalize their police forces to control crime and the recurring violence that had begun to plague urban life. The Irish emerged as the dominant immigrant group to occupy administrative and rank and file positions.

The first African-American police officers appeared in the early 1800's and were members of the New Orleans City Guard and were comprised of "free men of color." Their primary responsibility was policing the behavior of slaves in New Orleans. As the importance of the function grew -- they soon lost their jobs to white officers. By 1820, only whites were eligible to serve as City employees in New Orleans and African-Americans disappeared from the City Guard.

By the 1870's, however, Blacks were serving as police officers in Montgomery; Mobile; Selma; Jackson, Mississippi; Jacksonville, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Washington, D.C., and Houston, Texas. For several decades following, though, police integration was a slow and painful process.

Consider again Atlanta, where in 1947 the Atlanta City Council passed a resolution to allow the hiring of Black police officers. Then Police Chief Herbert Jenkins wrote the council and said he agreed with the resolution provided that:

 

• 1. Black officers not be allowed to exercise police power over white citizens;
• 2. A separate Negro precinct be established, and
• 3. Black policemen not be given civil servant status.

Beginning in the 1950's three events helped shape the increase of minority police officers in the North and South: the emergence of minority police associations, the civil rights movement and the rise of Black council members and Black Mayors in many large cities.

As members of two subgroups, Black police officers often had no choice but to associate and socialize with each other. Just as there were barriers to joining police departments there were barriers to minority officers joining rank-and-file police organizations.

Thus, in 1935, six African-Americans on Houston's police force organized the Texas Negro Peace Officers' Association (TNPOA). This was the first formal police organization, organized by Black police officers in the United States.

Miami officers followed in 1946 when the department's Police Benevolent Association would not accept minority officers. In response the Miami officers founded the Miami Colored Police Benevolent Association (MCPBA) and in the North, using the support of Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, the Guardians' Association was established in New York City in 1949. The Guardians modeled themselves after their Irish and Jewish brethren, who worked hard to advance the cause of their people through a system known as "hooking" to the Irish and "Rabbis" to the Jewish officers. The Guardians established the "Dutch Uncle" program where Guardian members adopted potential police recruits in the community and encouraged them to join the police force.

Other minority police associations followed suit under different names including Philadelphia in 1956, Chicago in 1967, St. Louis in 1968, and Atlanta in 1969. These organizations helped the growth of minority officers but this growth was slow. Houston did not have a Black Sergeant until 1974 and Charleston, S.C. did not have one until 1971. Newark, Atlanta, and Los Angeles followed in 1968, 1969, and 1970, respectively.

RIMPA has shared a prominent role in the proud history of minority police associations. RIMPA was founded on August 25, 1980. The founding officers were: Arthur Sweeney; President; Major Cornell Young, Vice President; Barnard Johnston, Treasurer; Herbert Tilson, Secretary; with Richard Snead; Milton Young; James Ray; and Joe Almeida its other founding officers.

Let me mention a word or two about Officer Almeida. He is an outstanding officer, a community hero, and one of the few Black entrepreneurs in the City of Providence. He is also a highly decorated officer. He has received two Chief's Awards, two Medals of Honor and one City Council Award. He has lept into icy winter waters to attempt to save drowning children, talked a distraught, armed hostage taker into surrendering, and has rescued a family from a burning building. My brother--we salute your courage and your valor, and we are inspired by your example.

Black women have also made significant contributions to the evolution of minorities in law enforcement. No doubt we know that our sisters have always suffered the dualisms of race and sex. They have had to unfairly prove their worth as minorities and as women.

Even today, despite the fact that they carry the same target on their backs there are those who still doubt their ability. You need only examine the distinguished careers of those sitting at this head table to know that those beliefs are outdated and have always been wrong.

Women have long been viewed as social workers and matrons, and not as police officers. Although females in the early years were assigned to vice duties, rarely were they assigned to patrol duty or supervisory positions. In 1950, Vivian Strange of Los Angeles, became the first Black woman promoted to the rank of sergeant.

In the 1970's, however, many police departments began to eliminate gender specific roles and assigned women to patrol duty on the same basis as men. This was in no small part based on the 1972 Amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits job discrimination of public employees on the basis of sex. Thus, in the mid-1970's the number of women police officers in New York City doubled from 300 to 650. More than half of those officers were African-American women.

Today, nearly 9% of police officers in America are women. 35% of the woman employed as police officers in the United States are African-Americans and sisters are 30% of all African-American police officers.

As Black influence grows in urban centers, Blacks enjoy greater access to command positions across the United States and, several cities have had Black police chiefs and commissioners including since 1980, Houston, Charleston, Chicago, Dayton, New York City, Baltimore, Miami, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Mobile, Columbus, St. Louis, Los Angeles, St. Paul, Jackson, Mississippi -- and ladies and gentlemen, your history continues to unfold. And sometimes change happens fast.

Consider that just eleven years prior to Houston appointing a Black police chief in 1980, in 1969, it was against departmental policy to allow Black and white officers to share a patrol car or a patrol assignment!

I submit to you that based upon this history you have been given a MISSION and a DUTY that I hope is self evident, and I leave you with four inescapable DUTIES!

A. First, Pay Homage!

Pay Homage! When you see Lieutenants Craig and Rodrigues (Rod-er-icks) or Officers Lima or Dunlap -- Sergeants Doran or Francis -- greet them and pay homage. Thank them for their bravery and their perseverance. Thank them for going first into the unknown and emerging unscathed and with honor. Thank them for making it easier for you and for accomplishing their mission with excellence!

When you see Major Cornell Young salute him crisply and proudly. Never allow yourself to be caught disrespecting him or his rank whether in temper, taste or tone. The whole world is watching how you receive him and will take their cue from you.

I am reminded of one of my favorite movies when I think of Major Young. As a former Marine I love Marine movies, and notable among them is A Few Good Men, which starred Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise. There is a scene in the movie where Tom Cruise has Jack Nicholson on the stand. Nicholson's character is a Marine's Marine. I mean the man is Bogart tough -he's Cagney tough - he's John "Duke" Wayne in all his glory. Tom Cruise is a young defense lawyer who is grilling Nicholson on the stand and he asks in a disrespectful tone something to the effect -

"You're a liar - aren't you?"

Jack Nicholson turns to the Black judge and he says - "What the hell kind of outfit are you running here? I should be addressed as Colonel or sir; I think I have earned that!" And the Black judge responds,

"Counsel for the defense will address the witness as Colonel or sir - and the witness will address me as Judge or Your Honor, because I know that I have earned it!"

Well ladies and gentlemen, I know that Major Young has earned it too!

Remember the words of Lt. Craig --

"I commanded respect because I carried myself with dignity!"

So remember your first duty: Pay Homage!

B. Second, Be A Dutch Uncle!

Be a "Dutch Uncle!" Follow in the footsteps of the Guardian's Association and help your fellow minority officers clear the hurdles that you know will be placed before them. Actively participate in the recruitment of new officers. I said, actively participate in the recruitment of new officers. Everyone in this room has had the help of someone to guide them through the recruitment process. None of you were tapped on the shoulder and declared the most wonderful Negro that ever lived and who just had to be made a police officer. You have all had help!

How many of you have ever gone into a Providence High School and spoken to the students? How many of you have gone to the Law Enforcement class at the Vocational School at Central and said, I love my job, I love my career, and if you young men or women are interested, let me show you the way?

You will not always be successful but if each of you identifies a single candidate, and helps them through the process, you will be personally enriched. If you are successful a third of the time, you will have each respected your history and helped to swell your ranks.

Don't leave it to a select few to shoulder the burden that you have all inherited. Don't let the basketball players and the Clockers be our children's only role models. Dare to make a difference in their lives by offering yourself as an example! Your second duty I submit, is to be a "Dutch Uncle."

C. Third, Seek Out Rank and Responsibility!

Seek out rank and responsibility. I've spoken to some of you in various settings and asked those who are eligible why don't you take the Sergeant's exam? Why do you leave it to a few people to carry the burden, exam after exam?

Now I know for some of you it is a financial consideration. A veteran patrol officer can significantly increase his base pay by pulling details, and if you are promoted to sergeant you will undoubtedly lose money. Well that is a poor excuse and I have a simple solution.

If each of you who are eligible take the examination and five of you make the top ten, then there are going to be minority sergeants. If your name is reached and you want to forsake the promotion when you are offered it -- do what we want our children to do when they are offered drugs -- JUST SAY NO! You do yourself no dishonor and you make it easier for someone else to make it because you have increased the number of those minorities eligible for promotion.

Again, remember the words of Lt. Craig,

"I studied hard and took every promotional examination I was eligible for."

Do yourselves and your people proud. You cannot complain if you are not in the game, and your protests will surely ring hollow! Fulfill your third duty: Seek out rank and responsibility.

D. Fourth, Support the Rhode Island Minority Police Officers' Association

I'm going to say that once again. Support the Rhode Island Minority Police Officers' Association. You will not always agree with the positions taken by RIMPA leadership. You will not always agree with its tactics or its methods. But you know in your heart of hearts that no one is in this for their own enrichment. You know that RIMPA's goals are for the greater good. You know your history!

Would you have stood on the sidelines, and watched others do the work, when the Texas Negro Peace Officers' Association was doing what it had to do in 1935? Would you have stayed on the sidelines when Martin issued his call? Would you have ignored your rendezvous with destiny when the Guardians' Association was formed in 1949?

Of course not. SO DON'T STAND ON THE SIDELINES NOW AND LET RIMPA SOW THE FIELDS -- SO THAT ONE DAY YOU MAY REAP A HARVEST -- YOU HAVE NOT EARNED!

Fulfill your fourth duty and support the Rhode Island Minority Police Officers' Association. Support your association, and you will ooze with pride and everyone will know it!

V. CONCLUSION AND CHALLENGE

Finally, and in conclusion, before we hear from your President and then get down to some serious partying, let me issue you a challenge by quoting our nation's 16th President: On December 1, 1862, in the midst of our country's fierce Civil War, Abraham Lincoln in his Message to Congress said:

FELLOW CITIZENS, WE CANNOT ESCAPE HISTORY. WE...WILL BE REMEMBERED IN SPITE OF OURSELVES....THE FIERY TRIAL THROUGH WHICH WE PASS, WILL LIGHT US DOWN IN HONOR OR DISHONOR TO THE LATEST GENERATION.... WE ... HOLD THE POWER AND WE BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope I have helped you understand the history you cannot escape, and have encouraged you to assume the responsibility you cannot ignore!

Thank you very much!