ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A Tampa Bay artist broke ground Wednesday on a monument honoring the “Courageous 12” in St. Petersburg.
Interdisciplinary artist Ya La’ford will create that art piece to preserve the memory of a dozen brave city police officers.
In the 1960s, those 12 officers worked for the St. Petersburg Police Department. But, in a city that was still segregated, they were only allowed to patrol Black neighborhoods and only allowed to arrest Black people.
Using their own money to pay for their initial lawsuit, the Courageous 12 sued the department, taking the city to federal court alleging discrimination. With the backing of the NAACP, they won the case on appeal.
Numerous similar lawsuits followed around the country, as courts ruled that all officers should have the same rights and authority, regardless of color.
“It’s an honor for we 12 police officers to stand up and challenge racism and change the system in St. Petersburg,” said Leon Jackson, the last surviving member of the Courageous 12.
Jackson was in attendance in St. Petersburg on Wednesday as La’ford broke ground on the monument.
“How amazing that we get to honor them while we have Leon alive,” La’ford said. “We’re giving voice to those who are silenced. We are honoring and cherishing and celebrating such a victory in humanity.”
The monument, which will feature 12 busts of the officer and a shield above, will stand at the old site of the St. Petersburg Police Department, where a new development is in the works.
