By Vincent L. Hall
By now, you have been formally acquainted with what Black folks uniquely know as “The Talk.” The practice of readying young Black men for their first encounter with police was uncovered for America during the agonizing video-taped death of George Floyd.
The Talk surfaced nationally after yet another “deadly oops!” A wayward cop became judge, juror, and executioner on the scene. And although America touts “how far” it has come since Jim Crow, lynchings, and the other atrocities trained on Black Americans, The Talk must be rehearsed with every generation.
My dad dangled the car keys in one hand, while warning me with the other. “Son, always watch your speed and stay within the speed limit. Make sure that all your lights are working and that you use your ‘blinkers’ when appropriate.
“And most of all, ‘Pooh’ (my nickname), don’t drive through Highland Park unless you got a lawnmower in the back seat. In that neighborhood, any Negro they see without tools visible is a suspect.
“Oh yeah, and don’t ever be caught with three or four Black men. That looks like a gang to some police, and they automatically get suspicious.”
Now, I realize that you may not have had that history with the police, but most Black men in my generation and beyond will attest that my daddy was spot on. Black people who live near the “Park Cities” are still wary of being in the “wrong” Neighborhood. Most of the suburban agencies, North and South have similar legacies. (Don’t ask me unless you want the full list!)
That’s why I can hardly wait to vote to re-elect Sheriff Marian Brown next Tuesday. She has proven that law enforcement agencies can blend into communities with the right leadership and guidance.
Under her direction the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office is sensitive and responsive to the needs of Dallas’ diverse and dynamic demographic.
The former Assistant Chief on Duncanville was sworn in as Sheriff of Dallas County on January 1, 2018. Sheriff Brown is the first African American Sheriff in Dallas County and one of only three AfricanAmerican female sheriffs in the United States.
Sheriff Brown began her career in law enforcement in 1988 with the Duncanville Police Department. She was a trailblazer who became the first African American female hired by Duncanville.
She quickly ascended in rank, being promoted to sergeant in 1993. While in that rank, she served as a first-line supervisor in the Patrol Division. By 1997, Brown earned the rank of Lieutenant. She continued to work in community relations but eventually returned to the Patrol Division to serve as commander.
In 2005, she was assigned to command the Criminal Investigations Division. There, she served until 2007, when she was named to the position of Assistant Chief of Police. She served as Assistant Chief until 2014 when she retired and joined the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department as Chief Deputy in charge of General Services.
Since being elected Dallas Sheriff, she has managed every aspect of her charged duties. Our jail is larger in population than 90% of the towns in Texas and she runs and maintains the jail by enforcing all the sanitation, nutritional, and population standards set forth by the state of Texas.
Sheriff Brown is also responsible for the safety and well-being of law enforcement professionals, from jailers to street patrols and specialty units. She is the First Lady of a growing congregation and walks her Christian talk.
I can’t wait to vote for her. Sheriff Brown is the prototype and ex- ample of what we need to create a new generational paradigm for policing urban communities.
We need law enforcement officers that we can trust. DPD Chief Eddie Garcia is a great leader, but the City of Dallas has not always been able to say that. We have had some lousy police chiefs.
But you, as a citizen, have an opportunity to elect your Sheriff. Don’t forfeit the chance to cast your Vote for Sheriff Marian Brown on Tuesday, May 28. Actually you can vote early – thru Friday, May 24.
Show up like they’re selling five-dollar margaritas at the polls. Hurry, like it’s your child’s last soccer game, and you missed all the others. Vote like you think Donald Trump could be re-elected if you don’t participate in the franchise. Vote like it’s Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar!
Go Vote, and vote for Sheriff Marian Brown. And, if you are in the area, watch yourself if you are anywhere near Highland Park!
