By Kathy Chouteau
In the wake of uprisings after Dr. Martin Luther King’s Jr.’s assassination in 1968, nine black Richmond Police Department officers took a courageous step into history when they filed the first internal lawsuit in a U.S. police department to challenge racial discrimination.
The “Black Nine’s” legal victory not only led to improved treatment of Richmond’s black officers, but also ushered in the advent of advocacy groups for Black officers nationwide, according to the Richmond city officials. During Tuesday’s council meeting, Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Doria Robinson and Jamelia Brown honored The Guardians of Justice—which gave a presentation—and supported proclamations recognizing the members of the Black Nine.
The Black Nine include: Arthur Johnson; Douglas Ellison; Harold Redic; Marvin Smith; Michael Nichols; Ollie Glover; Otis Timmons; Rudolph Johnson; and Tecumseh “Danny” Nelson.
The Black Nine’s legal victory gave birth to the black police officers association, the Guardians of Justice, which continues to fight injustice and support underprivileged communities. The recent presentation and proclamation honored these officers’ contributions to racial justice and equity and those officers, such as Richmond Police Chief Bisa French, who follow in their footsteps.
City councilmembers, Chief Bisa French and other stakeholders alternated reading the proclamations which were, in turn, met with hearty rounds of applause.
Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez ended Black Nine member Arthur Johnson’s proclamation reading by saying, “…The City of Richmond hereby honors and commemorates Arthur Johnson for their historic contributions to racial justice, police accountability and community empowerment. Their legacy stands as a testament to the power, courage, collective action and resilience in the face of adversity.”
