Lecture Notes: Samuel Battle and the Shattering of the Color Line

Introduction

• Lecture by Arthur Brown, Editorial Page Editor at the New York Daily News
• Author of "One Righteous Man: Samuel Battle and the Shattering of the Color Line in New York City"

Early Life

• Born in 1883 in Newburn, North Carolina
• Parents were former slaves
• Moved north at age 16, seeking better opportunities

Career Beginnings

• Worked as a redcap at Grand Central Depot in New York
• Interacted with notable figures like Jack Johnson, Teddy Roosevelt, Enrico Caruso
• Decided independently to join New York Police Department (NYPD)

Breaking the Color Barrier

• Faced initial rejection due to a purported heart murmur (considered a fraud)
• Gained support from a prominent white physician and activists
• Pressure from black-oriented newspaper, The New York Age
• Officially joined the NYPD in 1911

Challenges in the NYPD

• Faced isolation from fellow officers for 2 years
• Had to sleep in isolation at the flag loft
• Became a public spectacle, known as the "N-cop"

Achievements

• First black sergeant, lieutenant, and parole commissioner in NYPD
• Aided Mayor Fiorella LaGuardia
• Friend of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt
• Participated in quelling riots and leading one of NYPD's first SWAT teams
• Mentored and supported notable black figures like Sugar Ray Robinson, Jackie Robinson, and Jesse Owens

Attempt to Document His Life

• Hired Langston Hughes to write his biography, which was unpublished
• Manuscript served as a foundation for Arthur Brown's book

Recognition

• Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a foreword for the biography, acknowledging Battle's struggles and achievements

Legacy and Impact

• Samuel Battle was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement within NYPD and America
• His story exemplifies determination and courage
• Arthur Brown argues Battle deserves more recognition among civil rights leaders

Conclusion

• Samuel Battle's life and career were marked by significant barriers and accomplishments
• His legacy serves as a testament to the impact of perseverance and courage in the face of adversity

Key Themes

• Racial barriers and civil rights
• Personal determination and public support
• Legacy and historical impact