In the 1960’s, black police officers in St. Petersburg faced barriers when it came to promotion, what beats they could cover, even the ability to arrest certain people. Nearly 50 years ago, in 1965, twelve of those officers sued the city of St. Petersburg, hoping to end segregation within the police department. They came to be known as “The Courageous 12.”
On this week’s StoryCorps Tampa Bay, one of those men, Leon Jackson, speaks to St. Petersburg Assistant Chief of Police Luke Williams.
Music:
“Tin Roof Blues,” by New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Masters Of Jazz – Traditional Jazz Classics
StoryCorps Tampa Bay airs every Monday on WUSF 89.7 at 8:35 a.m. during Morning Edition and at 5:44 p.m. during All Things Considered.
