James Bradby facts for kids

James Nemo Bradby (born October 4, 1929 – died March 24, 1968) was an important American law enforcement officer. In 1967, he made history by becoming the first African-American sheriff in Virginia since the time after the American Civil War, known as the Reconstruction Era.

Who Was James Bradby?

James Bradby was a dedicated law enforcement officer. His election as sheriff was a big moment for civil rights in the United States. He showed that change was possible through voting.

Early Life

James Bradby was born in Charles City, Virginia, in 1929. He grew up during a tough economic time called the Great Depression. He was the third of at least six children. His father, Samuel Bradby, worked as a farmhand. His mother was Arnella Cotman.

A Historic Election

For many years, laws called Jim Crow laws and other rules made it very hard for African Americans in the South to vote. These rules were part of segregation, which kept people of different races apart.

However, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 changed things. This new law made it illegal to stop people from voting because of their race. For the first time since the Reconstruction Era, many African Americans could go to the polls. This gave their own candidates a real chance to win elections.

Why Was This Election Important?

Charles City County was a place where about 75% of the people were African American. On November 7, 1967, the county made history. They elected James Bradby as sheriff and Iona W. Adkins as county clerk. This was the first time in Virginia's modern history that African Americans held these important positions.

Bradby ran as an independent candidate. He won against M.D. Lampkin, a Democrat who had been sheriff for 43 years. Bradby and Adkins officially started their jobs on January 1, 1968. At that time, Bradby was one of only two African-American sheriffs in the entire United States.

His Legacy

Friends said that Bradby felt a lot of pressure to do well in his new role. He wanted to represent his community with pride. Sadly, he passed away on March 24, 1968, at the age of 38.

Despite his short time in office, James Bradby was remembered as a caring and well-liked sheriff. Even his predecessor, M.D. Lampkin, spoke highly of him. One newspaper called him "a symbol to members of his race of their increasing political strength in the South." His election showed the growing power of African-American voters.