Ernest C. Withers had not been a Memphis police officer very long when he saw the limits of his power. In 1948, he became one of the first nine black police officers hired by the city. They were allowed uniforms, patrol cars and guns, but they were barred from patrolling white neighborhoods or arresting white people. Their job was to keep the peace in black Memphis, particularly inside the thriving and jiving Club Ebony, Club Paradise, Club Handy, Currie’s Club Tropicana and other night spots …
Each year the New York Times Magazine does a cover story honoring significant people who died during the year. Read the rest of Hank Klibanoff’s tribute to one of Memphis’ finest — Ernest Withers.