America Trends Podcast

America Trends Podcast


EP 698 A Black Sheriff in the Deep South Reflects on Issues of Race Then and Now

October 11, 2023

Nat Glover, our guest today, is a man who has seen a lot in his lifetime.  His book “Striving for Justice: A Black Sheriff in the Deep South” describes how he embarked on a career in law enforcement which led to his becoming the first Black sheriff in Jacksonville and the state of Florida in over 100 years.  He was seen by then President Bill Clinton as one of the most innovative and highly regarding law enforcement officials in the country, pioneering the concept of community policing, banning choke holds and working with officers on de-escalation training when dealing with mentally challenged individuals.  He later went on to become President of Florida’s oldest Historically Black College and University, the Edward Waters University.  Given that his interest in justice began as he was attacked by KKK members in 1960 wielding ax handles, he brings a unique perspective to issues of police reform, affirmative action, reparations and push back against the teaching of courses on slavery and race in our schools.