History:
Brown L. Brackens, who "served as president for twenty years, [helped the organization] receive its first charter in 1947, and also helped create a similar [group] in Louisiana" (Dulaney 2007, 344). Under Brackens' leadership, "the organization dropped 'Negro' from its name [in 1955] and became the Texas Peace Officers Association. This name change represented an attempt to remove the stigma from themselves as being different from other police officers on the basis of race" (Dulaney 2010). The organization is still active today in local chapters, such as the one in Austin, Texas.
About this Image:
Fire and Police Commissioner Preston L. Anderson awards a badge to TNPOA President Brown L. Brackens at the Tenth Annual Convention of the Texas Negro Peace Officers Association held at New Light Baptist Church. I.C. Collins, vice president of the San Antonio Chapter, is seated behind them.
To Learn More:
Credit:
Courtesy of San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation
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