True Stories of over 100 Years from Blacks in Blue

Hadassah’s Crown Publishing is proud to announce the release of True Stories of Over 100 Years from Blacks in Blue penned by three senior retired African American law enforcement officers with over 100 years of combined service. Willie Johnson (Retired Chief of Police for the City of Greenville, South Carolina Police Department), Calvin Kelley (Retired Captain for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Department in South Carolina), and Willie Harper (Retired Captain for the City of Greenville Police Department in South Carolina) began their law enforcement careers in the early 1970s at the Greenville Police Department in Greenville, South Carolina within 36 months (1970 and 1974). What began as jobs to earn a living led to each climbing the ranks and making a difference within their departments. Their stories set the record straight from their perspectives. Law enforcement continues to rank as a trending topic, including defunding the police, racial profiling, and even the Black Lives Matter movement. These three retired officers reveal their beginnings, military careers, stories, and insight, offering invaluable advice to those serving today as well as those considering careers in law enforcement. What motivated these African American leaders to remain for a combined 110 years? Their grit, dedication, and perseverance are all described within these pages. According to the Honorable Leola Robinson-Simpson (SC House of Representatives Dist. No 25), “Few stories have ever been told of the gallant but often cruel and insensitive experiences of ...Blacks in Blue. These men clearly exhibited the indomitable leadership, strength, and capabilities that produced excellence in the law enforcement system. Despite the racism, prejudice, and bigotry that were so common in southern cities and towns throughout the south, these awesome Black law enforcement leaders prevailed." Johnny Mack Brown, two-time retired Greenville County, SC Sheriff and retired U.S. Marshal for SC shared, “Calvin Kelley, a longtime friend and associate, has written a down-to-earth, evocative, real-life story of a young Black man growing up in a family in Greenville, SC during the waning years of Jim Crow and rising to the highest level of local law enforcement in Greenville County. His book is a delight to read and a must-read. He delivers a gripping account of what shaped his life and chosen career.” “Upon reading the vocational history of these men, I am moved by their spirited fervor to withstand and overcome the challenges while staying focused on the job. Their biographical narratives give one a historical view of the cultural challenges that make Greenville, SC the city it has become. These men, indeed, have all played a significant role in the development of Greenville as we now know it! They have represented well,” said Dr. Toney C. Parks, Greenville City Police Chaplain, Distinguished Professor of Practical Ministry at Erskine Theological Seminary, and Sr. Pastor at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Greenville, SC.

About the Authors Retired Greenville, South Carolina Police Chief Willie Johnson served for 37 years in law enforcement and three years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a decorated officer. As the 23rd Chief of Police, he raised the bar when he became the first chief to hold a college degree, which he received from Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Jannie Ferguson Johnson. They reside in Greenville County, and they have two children. Retired Captain Calvin Kelley served as a US Marine and as a public servant to his community as a law enforcement officer for 29 years. Kelley realizes those are the experiences that have shaped him and what he believes as a man, a husband, a father, and a law enforcement officer. Kelley and his wife reside in Greenville County and have three children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He enjoys photography and videography. Retired Captain Willie Harper is a US Army veteran who served the Greenville Police Department in Greenville, SC for 33 years. Since retirement, Harper’s focus has been outdoor and fine art photography. A member of Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church in Mauldin, SC, Harper is a born-again Christian. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Winnie, and they have two children and three grandchildren. They currently reside in Greenville County, SC. True Stories...is available on Amazon.com by clicking the cover image above. Hard Cover ISBN: 978-1-950894-68-0 Price: $24.95