Savannah Renames Street to Honor City's First Black Officer

Lt. John White is the last living member of the Original Nine black police officers who integrated the Savannah Police Department back in 1947. The 97-year-old was the first of the group to be sworn in, also making him the first Black law enforcement officer to be sworn in in Georgia.

On Wednesday, Savannah, GA, unveiled Lt. John White Avenue as a way to celebrate a man who served as the city first black police officer.

“It’s amazing to me to see a togethering of these people here to wish me good luck,” White said.

Lt. White is the last living member of the Original Nine black police officers who integrated the Savannah Police Department back in 1947. The 97-year-old was the first of the group to be sworn in, also making him the first Black law enforcement officer to be sworn in in Georgia.

“There was several people — and I say several people — who made a comment that there’s gonna be nine more graves in Laurel Groves cemetery,” White told WSAV.

White also served with the Montford Point Marines, the first Black men to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.

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