Ken Davis
By: Dennis Richmond, Jr.
On Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, a captivating historical presentation took place at the Yonkers Riverfront Library, where Yonkers native and seasoned police detective Ken Davis shared an insightful exploration of African Americans’ legacy in the Yonkers Police Department. The event, well-received by a crowd of nearly two dozen attendees, took a deep dive into the milestones and remarkable figures that shaped the department’s history.
Davis, known for his eloquent storytelling and dedication to preserving history, took the audience on a journey through the early days of African American police officers in Yonkers. He introduced the first three Black officers, referred to as “Negro officers” at the time, who blazed trails in a challenging era. These pioneering men—Thomas Brooks, James Martin, and Stewart Freeman—were the foundation upon which future officers would build.
Thomas Brooks, the very first Black officer in Yonkers, is the brother of Frank Brooks. This is the Brooks family of Brooks Funeral Home on Warburton Avenue, a family deeply ingrained in Yonkers’ history. Davis also highlighted the contributions of later officers like Lieutenant Lorenzo Paul, whose name resonated with many in the audience, and Victor Mendez, whose legacy remains vital to the community.
The presentation transcended the Yonkers Police Department’s boundaries and ventured into broader themes of New York and Black American history. For example, the audience learned the fascinating tidbit that the Messiah Baptist Church of Yonkers once stood on Irving Place before moving to Warburton Avenue, providing a historical context many attendees were unaware of. Additionally, it was revealed that Stewart Freeman, the third Black officer to join the department, once walked patrols along School Street, further deepening the personal connection between the history of the department and the Yonkers community.
By the end of the evening, Davis had not only illuminated the rich history of the Yonkers Police Department but also enriched the understanding of broader African American history, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation among those present. His presentation was a powerful reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans to the fabric of America. Especially in Yonkers.
