In 1944, the Miami Police Department hired its first Black officers, but law enforcement in the Florida metropolis was completely segregated. Black cops were exclusively assigned to the Black Precinct Courthouse and only authorized to arrest Black residents, whose cases were heard by Black judges at that courthouse only. That was the standard operating procedure for nearly 20 years, until the MPD finally integrated in 1963. On February 2, 2023, the Black Precinct Courthouse and Museum was the site where MPD unveiled a squad car wrapped in original art honoring those first Black officers — Clyde Lee, Moody Hall, Edward Kimball, John Milledge and Ralph White — during Black History Month.

“They stood against all odds, not only against those in the community who wished to stop them, but members from their own department that wished to stand in their way,” said Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales at a public ceremony, reported CBS News.

“This is our way of honoring, specially the first five officers, that in 1944, suffered injustice, prejudice, resistance and still answered the call, were able to step across that line,” he continued.

The wrap was created by local artist Anthony Lumpkin and sponsored by the Miami Community Police Benevolent Association, which represents Black officers. It contains outlines of the African continent, raised fists and kente cloth with pan-African colors. Previously, the department marked various campaigns and causes with creative vehicle wraps, such as autism, breast cancer awareness and Hispanic Heritage Month.

“In keeping with the tradition, we’ve had a lot of officers and members come up to us and say, ‘Hey, how come we don’t have one for Black History,’” said Sergeant Stanley Jean Poix, the association’s president.

“We just wanted to celebrate African-American history in our police department, something that we’re proud of,” added Lieutenant Ramon Carr, the association’s vice president, per CNN.

However, community members and lawmakers questioned the significance of the design as well as timing of the reveal in light of the recent events in Memphis. Lumpkin defended both his creation and decision to move forward with the project.

“Two things can exist at one time,” he told NPR. “There could be still more work done between the police department and civilians while police officers and civilians come together to celebrate Black History.”