Intersection named in honor of first Black policeman killed on duty

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck speaks Wednesday at the dedication of Charles P. Williams Square, the intersection of Sixth Street and Central Avenue, where Williams became the first Black police officer in the city of Los Angeles to be killed in the line of duty. Williams died exactly 87 years ago. (Photo by Gary McCarthy)

By WIRE SERVICES

Story Created: Jan 13, 2010 at 8:18 PM PST

Story Updated: Jan 13, 2010 at 8:18 PM PST

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A downtown Los Angeles intersection was named Wednesday in honor of the city’s first Black police officer killed in the line of duty.

“Over eight decades ago, Officer Charles P. Williams was killed while protecting and serving the people of Los Angeles,” City Councilwoman Jan Perry said during the dedication ceremony at Sixth Street and Central Avenue, now known as Officer Charles P. Williams Square.

“Today, we honor that sacrifice and the sacrifice of all of our officers by dedicating this intersection in his memory,” Perry added.

“We must never forget the brave men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department, and we must never forget the contributions that African-Americans have made to our city,” Police Chief Charlie Beck said.

For many years, it was believed Officer Oscar Joel Bryant was the Los Angeles Police Department’s first Black officer killed in the line of duty, back in 1968.

But a review of old newspapers turned up information about Williams, who was killed Jan. 13, 1923, near the intersection now named after him, while responding to a call about an armed suspect at a local brothel.

Williams was buried in an unmarked grave until 1998 when he received a proper police funeral.

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