The Newark Bronze Shields, Inc., is the African-American police officers association within the Newark Police Department. The organization was founded in 1959 by a group of African-American Police Officers who were battling racial discrimination within the Newark Police Department. We are a non-profit organization committed to serving the citizens of Newark, New Jersey as well as the African-American community abroad. We are focused on improving the quality of life within the community by engaging in youth programs, fundraisers to benefit the less fortunate, and providing scholarships for college-bound students. We are also charged with the responsibility of the recruitment and retention of African-American Police Officers in the City of Newark and abroad.

Floyd Bostic Jr. was the First President in the history of the Newark Bronze Shields Inc., a civil rights organization for black police officers in Newark. When Floyd Bostic joined the Newark Police Department in 1956, it was a tough place for African-Americans. Patrol cars were off limits to about three dozen black officers on the force. Many were relegated to the night shift as foot patrolmen. And none were promoted beyond the rank of patrolman, In 1959, Bostic and six others banded together to form the Bronze Shields, to fight for equal rights. Fifty years later, change is obvious.

Over the years, the organization has worked with the department's management, politicians and the courts to push for change. The Bronze Shields' mission has grown include raising money for charity, distributing food, and helping fellow officers. They also mentor young people as part of their Seekers of Knowledge program. "It's very important," that the Bronze Shields' work in the community. "It's their way of giving back: helping people regardless of color or gender."

• Community Church Fellowship-members attend local churches In full uniform to worship the community. We do this to intensify our bond with our community.
• Augustus Dickerson Wreath Laying Ceremony - Augustus Dickerson was the first African American Police Officer in the state of New Jersey. He was a Newark Police Officer from 1874-1878. He was shot while making an arrest of the Thielhorn Brothers. His partner, Robert Elsden, Jr. was shot and killed during this incident. The Newark Bronze Shields, Inc. has a formal ceremony during which we honor his legacy and lay a wreath on his grave site.
• Newark Police Explorers Post 2808- The Newark Bronze Shields founded this Explorer Post in 2011. We mentor youth ages 14-21 in our year-round youth development program. We teach them police and procedure, state and local laws, life skills and physical fitness. We provide leadership development and public speaking experiences.
• Holiday Drive with Mayor Ras J. Baraka and the Believe in Newark Foundation - we provide Christmas toys for 2000 Newark families.
• Thanksgiving Turkey Drive with Council President Mildred Crump.
• Educational Forum with NY Giants, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Rutgers University-Newark Campus, and Newark Public Schools - we host high school students at the Rutgers Golden Dome and speak with them about the benefits of education and real-life applications of education.