Our Mission
"To bridge the gaps, both real and perceived, that exist between the African American community and law enforcement through mutual trust, respect, cooperation, and positive interaction."
Our History
The BPA Serves the City of Dallas and its Members with Honor and Pride
Our History
The Beginning
During the 1960s and early 1970s, an informal organization of Black police officers known as the Bronze Shields existed within the Dallas area. In 1975, eleven Black police officers began meeting privately at the Alpha Fraternity House on Good-Latimer to discuss forming an employee association that would advocate for equality, professional advancement, and fair treatment within law enforcement.
Later that year, these officers met with Texas Peace Officers Association (TPOA) State President Leon Lewis of Galveston, Texas. They were awarded a charter establishing the Texas Peace Officers Association – Dallas Chapter (TPOA-Dallas).
Founding Officers
Calvin J. Howard
President
Harold Parks
Vice President
Shirley Gray
Secretary
George Coleman
Treasurer
Arthur D. Busby, Jr.
Sergeant-at-Arms
Preston K. Gilstrap
Parliamentarian
Mackeroy Tuck
Advisor
Simon Young
Chaplain
Albert Haskins
Charter Member
Josias Prelow
Charter Member
Willie R. Taylor
Charter Member
Building a National Presence
Soon after its formation, TPOA-Dallas leadership faced significant opposition. Seeking guidance and support, the organization reached out nationwide. Their first response came from Hubert Williams, Police Commissioner of Newark, New Jersey.
TPOA-Dallas leaders met with Commissioner Williams, NYPD Chief William Bracey, and Gustave Thomas of the New Orleans Police Department. They were encouraged to join the National Black Police Association (NBPA) and to attend its first National Education and Training Conference in Chicago in 1976.
These relationships helped TPOA-Dallas develop strategies that strengthened advocacy efforts and expanded opportunities for Black officers throughout the Dallas Police Department and surrounding agencies.
Advancing Equality and Opportunity
TPOA-Dallas filed numerous federal complaints and legal actions challenging discriminatory practices in recruitment, hiring, training, assignments, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
These efforts contributed to significant improvements in diversity and representation throughout law enforcement agencies and helped create opportunities for generations of officers of color.
2005
Becoming the Black Police Association of Greater Dallas
In 2005, under the leadership of President Malik Abdul Al'Aziz, the Executive Committee voted to change the organization's name to the Black Police Association of Greater Dallas (BPA-Dallas).
The new name better reflected the organization's history, mission, and commitment to both community engagement and professional advancement.
Today, BPA-Dallas continues to serve as a community stakeholder, advocate for workplace equity, and partner with organizations throughout North Texas.
Recognition
Organizational Achievements
BPA-Dallas has received numerous awards and recognitions, including:
National Black Police Association — Organization of the Year (4-time recipient)
NBPA Southern Region Chapter of the Year
NAACP Juanita Craft Organization of the Year Award
Dallas Leadership Luncheon Pinnacle Award
The association has also produced multiple national leaders within the National Black Police Association.
Leadership
Past Presidents
Calvin J. Howard
Willie R. Taylor
Paul A. Allen
Mackeroy Tuck
Preston K. Gilstrap *
Randy R. Hampton
Robert L. Jackson, Jr.
Linda J. Patterson
James A. Allen
Perro W. Henson, Jr.
Thomas L. Glover *
Kosg Malik Abdul Al'Aziz
Gerry Westry (Appointed)
Cletus Judge
Thomas L. Glover
David Davis (Appointed)
Terrance Hopkins
Andre Taylor
* Served two terms as President.
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame
Election to the BPA-Dallas Hall of Fame requires a unanimous vote from the Executive Committee and current Hall of Fame members.
Calvin J. Howard
Mackeroy Tuck
Gaythell Smith
George A. Bedford
Preston K. Gilstrap
Thomas L. Glover
Perro W. Henson, Jr.
James A. Allen, Jr.
Scholarships
McQuietor-Moore Scholarship Program
McQuietor-Moore Scholarship Program
The McQuietor-Moore Scholarships honor Officers Levy McQuietor and Alvin E. Moore, the first two regular Black Dallas police officers to lose their lives in the line of duty.
Values
Values and Inclusion Statement
BPA-Dallas is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and maintaining a strict anti-discrimination policy in all programs, services, and activities. We embrace diversity in all forms, including:
Race
Ethnicity
National origin
Gender
Age
Disability
Religion
Socioeconomic status
Sexual orientation
Other protected characteristics
Community Leadership
Commissioner John Wiley Price
Dallas County Commissioner · Longtime Advocate & Trusted Supporter
BPA-Dallas recognizes Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price as a longtime advocate, community leader, and trusted supporter of the organization. His decades of public service, civic engagement, and commitment to justice have significantly impacted the Dallas community and contributed to opportunities for underserved populations throughout the region.
In Memoriam
Roll Call of Honor
The Black Police Association of Greater Dallas proudly honors African American law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.
Officer
End of Watch
William McDuff
Dallas Police Department
December 25, 1896
Levy McQuietor
Dallas Police Department
August 17, 1972
Alvin E. Moore
Dallas Police Department
November 13, 1976
Thomas Lee Harris
Dallas Police Department
June 20, 1985
James Allen Joe
Dallas Police Department
January 14, 1988
Walter Leon Williams
Dallas Police Department
August 2, 1988
Henry Allen Brown
Dallas Police Department
April 25, 1997
Christopher D. Gibson
Dallas Police Department
January 1, 2022
Darron Lee Burks
Dallas Police Department
August 29, 2024