Birmingham First Black in Blue

Birmingham's First Black in Blue should be required reading for all Americans. This first-person memoir traces the often-difficult path that Leroy Stover had to take to make it from a farm in rural Alabama to his position as the pioneering first black police officer on the City of Birmingham's force. Yes, that Birmingham, of Bull Connor fame.

You remember the news clips of German Shepherd dogs biting peaceful marchers and fire hoses flattening innocent bystanders. You will shake your head in disbelief as you read about the treatment Stover received during his first days and weeks on the force. You also will learn about what a huge difference a police officer can make in a community as you trace the arc of Stover's career.

The Civil Rights Era in America needs to be continually studied and discussed as we make progress towards becoming a truly equitable society. Birmingham's First Black in Blue makes a vital contribution to this discussion as an authentic and fascinating first-person history.

-- Leroy Stover