Proclamation Honoring Marvin Smith of the Black Nine for Courageous Leadership and Commitment to Justice WHEREAS, in 1968, amid widespread racial injustice and civil rights struggles, nine courageous Black officers of the Richmond Police Department, later known as the Black Nine, took a historic stand against racial discrimination by exposing and challenging police brutality, racial profiling, and systemic inequities within the department; and
WHEREAS their decision to file a formal complaint and lawsuit against the Richmond Police Department made history as the first internal lawsuit within a police department in the United States to challenge discrimination against Bl ack officers and police brutality towards residents of Richmond, setting a precedent for law enforcement reform nationwide; and WHEREAS, their courage was fueled by the 1968 Richmond uprisings following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where they witnessed officers engaging in unjustified detentions, beatings, and unlawful conduct —particularly targeting Black men and youth, including in historically Black neighborhoods such as Parchester Village, where residents had long faced racial profiling and over-policing; and
WHEREAS, while the Black Nine faced significant resistance and retaliation for their stand against discrimina tion, they were also supported by some white officers within the Richmond Police Department who recognized the injustice and stood in solidarity with them, demonstrating that the fight for fairness and accountability in law enforcement was not solely a racial issue but a broader struggle for justice and institutional integrity; and WHEREAS the Black Nine initially sought to resolve these injustices internally by requesting a private meeting with Police Chief Robert Murphy and his command staff to name specific officers and report their misconduct, but their concerns were dismissed, leading them to take legal action; and
WHEREAS, despite the risks of retaliation, including potential job loss, career setbacks, and threats to their safety, the Black Nine remain ed steadfast in their pursuit of justice, and in 1972, after four years of legal battles, they won their lawsuit, proving that systemic change within law enforcement was possible; and
WHEREAS, their legal victory helped de -escalate tensions between law enforcement and the Black community in Richmond for a time, but did not fully resolve deep -seated issues within the police department, as evidenced by three subsequent lawsuits filed by Black officers and the emergence of the “Cowboys,” a violent, rogue group of Richmond police officers who engaged in extreme brutality, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and reform; and
WHEREAS, following their victory, the Black Nine established the Guardians of Justice, an organization dedicated to fighting injustice, addressing workplace discrimination, and supporting underprivileged communities, ensuring that their struggle did not end with their lawsuit but became an ongoing movement for equity and accountability; and WHEREAS, their courage and leadership inspired Black police officers across the country to form similar advocacy groups, leading to the creation of organizations such as the National Black Police Association and other minority law enforcement associations advocating for fairness, representation, and accountability in policing; and
WHEREAS, Judge Henry Ramsey Jr., a highly respected civil rights attorney and Alameda County Superior Court Judge, defined the Black Nine as “heroes” for their courage in standing against injustice within law enforcement, recognizing their sacrifice and unwavering commitment to justice as an example for future generations; and WHEREAS, while challenges persist, the presence of Bisa French as Richmond’s current Police Chief, a Black woman and a member of the Guardians of Justice , stands as a testament to the progress made within the Richmond Police Department. Her leadership reflects how far the department has come, and we affirm that it marks a major st ep toward systemic change within RPD, eliminating racial tensions and discrimination both within the department and in its interactions with the community; and
WHEREAS, let the legacy of the Black Nine serve as a beacon of courage, inspiring others to come forward and stand against injustice and discrimination, ensuring that their bravery continues to pave the way for accountability, fairness, and equality in all institutions; and WHEREAS, Marvin Smith , as a member of the Black Nine, played a pivotal role i n this movement, demonstrating extraordinary bravery, dedication to fairness, and an unwavering commitment to public service, paving the way for greater equity in law enforcement; and WHEREAS, Marvin Smith continued their lifelong commitment to justice beyond their role as an officer, serving as a mentor, advocate, and leader in the Richmond community, ensuring that future generations benefit from their sacrifices and achievements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the City of Richmond hereby honors and commemorates Marvin Smith for their historic contributions to racial justice, police accountability, and community empowerment. Their legacy stands as a testament to the power of courage, collective action, and resilience in the face of adversity.
___________________________ ___________________________ Mayor Eduardo Martinez Councilmember Soheila Bana City of Richmond District 4 February 25, 2025
___________________________ ___________________________ Councilmember Doria Robinson Councilmember Jamelia Brown District 3 District 1
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Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
District 2