Montgomery (AL) – Each February, the United States honors and celebrates African Americans’ contributions to American life. Our state, as Alabamians, was the site of many important and pivotal events that led to the American Civil Rights Movement which awakened the world to make change.
Hal Taylor, Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), stated that “our Agency is proud to join other law enforcement agencies and organizations across America in celebrating Black History Month.” ALEA is committed to building a diverse, inclusive state law enforcement agency that fully reflects and represents the communities it serves.
By sharing stories and celebrating African American heritage, the Agency will highlight the transformative work of African American employees. These stories will be shared by ALEA on its social media platforms through February. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) hired the first three African American state troopers in 1972. They were Elbert Dawson, 25 years old, from Tuskegee, Leon Hampton, 25, of Birmingham, and Tyrone Anderson 24, of Montgomery. ALEA was established in 2015, when 12 Legacy Agencies, including DPS, were consolidated to create a diverse workforce. This included gender diversity. The Agency established a Cultural Awareness Improvement Team in 2020 under Secretary Taylor to ensure that ALEA’s workplace was improved in all offices throughout the state. This gives employees a voice, allows them to participate in campaigns and events, and provides valuable insight. It also creates a positive work environment.
The Agency was selected as one of 12 law enforcement agencies in the country for its most attractive cruiser. It was placed alongside an iconic F-16C Fighting Falcon Fighting Falcon “Red Tails” fighter aircraft. ALEA proudly used the opportunity to not only highlight the Agency but also to pay homage the brave men who helped to create racial equality within the armed forces.
“Black History Month” not only commemorates African Americans, but also allows us to celebrate all Americans as diversity enriches our country. Secretary Taylor stated that it was both an honor and a proud experience to work alongside employees from different backgrounds and ethnicities in our shared goal to protect and serve the citizens and visitors to Alabama.
