Bronze Shields: A Black Police Organization’s Fight for Equality and Justice in Newark, NJ (An Oral History)

Founded in 1959 during the civil rights movement, the Newark Bronze Shields was formed by a group of Black police officers looking to combat the virulent racism they faced within the Newark Police Department. They also wanted to provide services to the city's new Black/brown majority. What the organization (and its members) would ultimately do over the next six decades was help change the face, gender and complexion of New Jersey's largest police department. Bronze Shields is an oral history of the organization's 60-year journey toward equality, justice and impactful community service. Interwoven with the history of Newark, the story of the Bronze Shields is told within the context of historic events which transformed Newark into a renaissance city.