Blog Posts

Honoring the legacy of Black sheriffs while building a stronger, more just future for generations to come.

Honoring a Trailblazer: Richard B. Lankford

Celebrating Richard B. Lankford, Fulton County’s first African American High Sheriff, whose visionary leadership and dedication broke barriers and inspired generations.

Trailblazer for Justice: Frank Davis, Mississippi’s First Black Sheriff Since Reconstruction

Honoring Frank Davis, the first Black sheriff elected in Mississippi since Reconstruction, whose 32-year career shaped law enforcement and inspired generations.

Honoring Legacy, Shaping the Future

Honoring Sheriff Lucius D. Amerson and the legacy of African American sheriffs, whose trailblazing leadership continues to inspire and shape law enforcement today.

Honoring History, Inspiring the Future

One year ago, Congressman Al Green honored Sheriff Walter Moses Burton, the first Black sheriff in the U.S., celebrating his trailblazing legacy in law enforcement.

Highway Named in Honor of Macon County’s First Black Sheriff

Watch this video as a highway is officially dedicated to Lucius D. Amerson, the first Black sheriff elected in Macon County, Alabama.

Honoring Sheriff Lucius D. Amerson — A Legacy of Courage and Service

Honoring my father, Lucius D. Amerson, the first Black sheriff elected in the South, whose courage and leadership continue to inspire generations.

Podcasts

Inside the Crisis Facing America’s Sheriffs: Anthony Amerson Breaks It Down

In this powerful episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, Executive Director of the National Black Sheriffs Association, Anthony Amerson, shares the extraordinary story of his father – Lucius Amerson – the first Black sheriff elected in the South since Reconstruction.

Icons | Anthony Amerson: Remembering Your Roots

The Icons series is not just about contemporary figures in the law enforcement community, but about all those who have served their communities and the world. This episode imbodies the essence of that goal. Today features Anthony Amerson, the son of famed Sheriff Lucius Amerson, the first Black elected sheriff in the south since reconstruction. We hear from Anthony about how his father’s legacy remains intact and what he’s done to continue the Sheriff’s penchant for serving the community. Madison Scott, the Museum’s Manager of Volunteer Services sits down with Anthony to discuss his father’s legacy, family life, and the importance of remembering your roots.

A New Sheriff in Town

In the 1960s Alabama was at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. It’s the home of the years-long Montgomery Bus Boycotts and demonstrations in Selma for Black people to gain equal voting rights. But in Tuskegee, on January 16th, 1967 – history was made when Lucius Amerson was sworn in as Sheriff of Macon County, Alabama. He was the first Black documented sheriff in the South since Reconstruction. Amerson gained unprecedented power for a Black man in the South…and many people wanted to take that power away from him. This episode originally aired January 19, 2022.

Honor the legacy of Black law enforcement and reflect on their enduring impact with a meaningful visit to the Black Sheriff’s Memorial.

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