T
his is the true historical story of Deputy Chief Leroy Stover, Birmingham, Alabama’s first Black Policeman. This book describes a journey of rejection, racism, and segregation that leads to acceptance, unity, respect and inspiration. Leroy’s faith, courage, stamina, hard work and military, in his early years, helped to sustain him during his career for 32 years at the Birmingham Police Department. 
Bessie Stover Powell is the oldest niece of Deputy Chief Leroy Stover. They grew up in the same household. She researched many historical documents, and conducted extensive interviews with her Uncle in chronicling his journey. She is an Educator, Administrator, School Counselor, and Minister. She has a B.S. in Human Services-Urban Planning, Thomas Edison State; M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling, S.C. State University; Ed. D. in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Sarasota. She was Professor of the Year, 2008. She is Associate Professor in the Education Department, South Carolina State University.
Don L. Powell is a distinguished scholar, teacher and administrator. He has a B. A. in English, Miles College; M. A. in English, Atlanta University; and a Ph.D. in English, University of Illinois. He is the editor of Literary Perspectives, and other articles and documents. He was Professor of the Year, 2003, Claflin College. He is Chair of English and Mass Communication at Voorhees College. He retired from S.C. State University.
Deputy Chief Stover has been described as a risk taker, trail blazer, intelligent, role model, effective administrator, trouble shooter, detail oriented, well dressed, and above all, fair and firm. He earned the B.S. Degree from the University of Alabama –Birmingham, in Criminal Justice. Stover received many honors and awards. He rose from being the first Black Policeman to Deputy Chief with thirty-two years of service in the Birmingham, Alabama Police Department. He retired in 1998.