Bobby Carter First African American Deputy Clerk for the City of Hammond

Ms. Carter was appointed as the first African American Deputy Clerk for the City Court of Hammond, Louisiana by the Honorable Judge Leon Ford, III on May 19, 1969. She worked as Docket Manager for the Juvenile Court for a total of 33 years.

Source: The Collection of Henry Jackson

Donald Dotey First African American Louisiana State Trooper in Tangipahoa Parish

Donald Dotey, Master Trooper was the first African-American State Trooper in Tangipahoa Parish. Donald was from Tangipahoa Parish. He served from December 1975-December 1996.

Source: The Collection of Henry Jackson

Connie L. Dotey First African American State Trooper Southeast Louisiana

Connie L. Dotey was the first 1st Black Female State Trooper Southeast Louisiana. The 2nd in the State of Louisiana. Trooper First Class 1977-1987. She was the first African American Female Major Tangipahoa Sheriff's Office and Retired in July 2004.

Source: The Collection of Henry Jackson

Dr. J. L. Garrett the first African American Veterinarian in the City of Hammond

Dr. J. L. Garrett is a native of Newton, Texas. He graduated from Liberty High School in Newton. Dr. Garrett then attended Prairie View Colleg and went on to Tuskegee University where he obtained a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine Degree. He then went on to serve his county as a Captain in the United States Air Force. After his tour of duty, Dr. Garrett resided in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the year of 1960, he moved his family to Hammond, Louisiana where he opened a Veterinarian Clinic thus, becoming the first African American Veterinarian in the City of Hammond.

Source: The Collection of Henry Jackson

Melvin Finn Was the Amite First Black Policeman

Melvin Finn was appointed as the first black policeman in Amite on August 15, 1966. His duties were to patrol the black areas of Amite. He was ordered to limit any action to the black sections of the town and black citizens. Of course, after establishing himself as a policeman capable of handling any detail these restrictions were brought forward and conditions were changed.

Officer Finn was named Assistant Chief of Police in 1981. He retired in August 1990 after serving 24 years. He was married to Ora L. Finn. They have three children and three grandchildren. Melvin is a member of Butlers AME Zion Church in Amite.

SourceL The Collection of Henry Jackson.

Rudolph Paul Gibson of Tangipahoa Parish

Mr. Gibson served on many boards in the State of Louisiana and the Parish of Tangipahoa. He was appointed by Gov. Edwin Edwards to serve on the State Juvenile Board.

Source: The Collection of Henry Jackson