The Hidden History series is about finding the common, everyday places and things we might take for granted in Tampa Bay — and unearthing their unique story.
The 1960s were an especially fraught time for race-relations in the United States. And the Tampa Bay area was not exempt from racial violence and discrimination. But St. Petersburg was also home to The Courageous 12. This was a group of African-American police officers who defied the norms and expectations of their time to fight for civil rights in the city. Their brave actions helped to pave the way for equal rights and opportunities for all people in their community.
Who were The Courageous 12?
In the 1960s, St. Petersburg, like many cities in the United States, was deeply divided by racial segregation. Black residents were forced to attend separate schools, sit in the back of buses, and use separate water fountains, among other forms of discrimination. To make things even more difficult, many white residents were resistant to change. Some even used violence to maintain the status quo.
Amidst this backdrop of racial tension, a group of 12 black police officers were working in conditions that were downright dangerous. They were denied promotions, paid less than their white counterparts, and made to deal with workplace hostilities. And they also faced a lack of equipment, were prohibited from patrolling white neighborhoods and weren’t even allowed to arrest white citizens.
On May 11, 1965, 12 of the city’s 15 black police officers filed a discrimination lawsuit to gain the full rights and authority of their white counterparts. This was after appealing to the chief of the St. Petersburg Police Department on multiple occasions. They also claimed they were being paid less than their white counterparts and did not receive the same opportunities for promotion. To say the least. They pooled their money together and hired Attorney James B. Sanderlin. He was a civil rights lawyer and one of five African American attorneys that practiced law in St. Pete.
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The case was not an easy one. The Courageous 12 faced intense backlash and discrimination, both on and off the job. Despite these challenges, they persevered and eventually won their case.
Continuing work in the community
The Courageous 12 did not stop there. They continued to fight for equality and justice in their community. They worked to improve conditions for black residents in St. Petersburg, including advocating for better housing and job opportunities.
Their legacy lives on today. The Courageous 12 paved the way for future generations of African-American police officers. Their actions helped to make St. Petersburg a more just and equitable place. Their legacy serves as a reminder that change is possible when people come together and fight for what is right.