Violet Hill Whyte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Violet Hill Whyte
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Violet Hill
November 18, 1897 Washington, D.C., United States
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| Died | 1980 (aged 82–83) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Police officer |
| Known for | First black officer to be appointed to the Baltimore Police Department |
Violet Hill Whyte (born Violet Hill, November 18, 1897 – 1980) was an amazing woman. She was a teacher, a community helper, and the very first African-American police officer in Baltimore, Maryland. She started her police work in December 1937 and served for 30 years. She even became a lieutenant, which is a high rank! Violet Hill Whyte also worked on many community groups to make life better for women and children in Baltimore.
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Early Life and Education
Violet Hill was born in Washington, D.C. on November 18, 1897. Her parents were Daniel G. Hill and Margaret Peck Hill. She had nine younger brothers and sisters. One of her brothers, Daniel G. Hill II, also became a minister. His son, Daniel G. Hill III, became a well-known sociologist and activist in Canada.
Violet's father was a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This was the first independent church for black people in the United States. Violet went to Douglass High School and then Coppin State College.
She married George Sumner Whyte and they had four children. Before becoming a police officer, she taught in public schools in Baltimore, Maryland for almost 20 years.
Becoming a Police Officer
Violet Hill Whyte became very interested in police work. She finished all the training needed. In 1937, she made history by becoming the first black officer in the Baltimore Police Department. This was a big step! For example, another big city, Atlanta, Georgia, didn't have any black police officers until 1948.
Violet Hill Whyte worked as a police officer for 30 years. She retired in 1967. During her time, she rose through the ranks and became a lieutenant. She passed away in 1980.
Her Work as a Police Officer
Violet Hill Whyte was known for her dedication. She once said, "I'm not afraid of hard work." She started working in the northwest part of Baltimore. She didn't carry a gun, but her job was very important. She patrolled the streets and helped investigate serious crimes like homicides, assaults, and robberies.
She was also known for working undercover. This means she would pretend to be someone else to gather information. Young people in her area remembered that she often stopped students who were skipping school. Because of her efforts, people called her "lady law." A judge named Charles E. Moylan Jr. said she was like "a one-woman police force and a one-woman social worker combined."
In 1955, she was promoted to sergeant. This meant she was in charge of other policewomen. Before she retired in 1967, she was promoted again to lieutenant.
During her career, Violet Hill Whyte received many awards and honors. She also served on several important groups. These groups worked on issues like helping young people and improving safety in Maryland.
Helping the Community
Besides her police duties, Violet Hill Whyte was a very active volunteer. She collected clothes for people in prison. She also made holiday baskets for families who needed help. One year, she even planned a big Christmas party for 4,000 children at a theater!
She also gave talks in the community about child abuse. In her talks, she shared a six-point "child's bill of rights". This was a list of basic rights that every child should have.
Even after she retired, she continued to volunteer her time. She also worked with the Neighborhood Family Planning Center, helping families in her community.
Awards and Recognition
Violet Hill Whyte received many awards for her amazing service to the community:
- 1956 – Recognized for her services to Baltimore.
- 1963 – Received the Distinguished Citizen Award.
- 1963 – Honored for her service and promotion to sergeant.
- 1964 – Received an Appreciation Certificate as a guest speaker.
- 1967 – Honored by the Afro-American newspaper for "Superior Public Service."
- 1968 – Received the Community Achievement Award.
- 1968 – Honored by Mayor Thomas J. D'Alesandro III for "Outstanding Citizen Award" and "Thirty Years of Faithful, Exemplary Service."
- 1968 – Received the Woman of Conscience Award.
- 1971 – Recognized for Humanitarian Services in Drug Education and Safety.
- 1971 – Inducted into the Frederick Douglass High School Hall of Fame.
- 1971 – Received an award for Meritorious Service.
- 1971 – Honored by the Zeta-Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
- 1974 – Received the Outreach Award for her strength and efforts to uplift Black women.
- 1978 – Honored by Freedom House Inc. for her "outstanding contribution to the community."
