The story of Black sheriffs in America began in 1869 when Walter Moses Burton made history in Fort Bend County, Texas. A former slave who rose to become both sheriff and state senator, Burton exemplified the power of determination and public service. Today, more than 170 African Americans serve as sheriffs nationwide, including 17 trailblazing women. Each continues to build upon this remarkable legacy of leadership and community service.
Walter Moses Burton, a former slave, became America’s first Black sheriff in Fort Bend County, Texas – paving the way for generations of leaders.
Lucius D. Amerson shattered racial boundaries as the first Black sheriff elected in the South since Reconstruction (Macon County, AL).
Jacquelyn Barrett-Washington made history as the first Black woman elected sheriff in Fulton County, GA.
Nat Glover became Florida’s first Black sheriff in over a century (Duval County, FL).
Jacquelyn Barrett-Washington made history as the first Black woman elected sheriff in Fulton County, GA.
Nat Glover became Florida’s first Black sheriff in over a century (Duval County, FL).
Walter Moses Burton, a former slave, became America’s first Black sheriff in Fort Bend County, Texas – paving the way for generations of leaders.
Lucius D. Amerson shattered racial boundaries as the first Black sheriff elected in the South after Reconstruction (Macon County, AL).
Jacquelyn Barrett-Washington made history as the first Black woman elected sheriff in Fulton County, GA.
Nat Glover became Florida’s first Black sheriff in over a century (Duval County, FL).
Our founder, Anthony E. Amerson, carries forward a powerful legacy. His father, Lucius D. Amerson, broke barriers in 1967 as the first Black sheriff elected in the South since Reconstruction, serving Macon County, Alabama with distinction for over 20 years. Today, Anthony leads the NBSA with that same pioneering spirit, working to create pathways for the next generation of law enforcement leaders.
Author, Historian, and Champion of African American Sheriffs
Anthony E. Amerson serves as the Executive Director of the National Black Sheriffs Association (NBSA). He is a supporting member of National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). He is an accomplished author, historian, and dedicated advocate for African American sheriffs. As a retired Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), he has worked internationally in Pakistan, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia, providing humanitarian relief and rebuilding countries following conflict and natural disasters. Beyond his diplomatic career, Mr. Amerson is the son of the late Lucius D. Amerson, a trailblazer in law enforcement who made history as the first Black sheriff elected in the South after Reconstruction. Anthony also serves as the official historian of African American sheriffs and authored the autobiography “Great Courage: Lucius D. Amerson, The First Black Sheriff Elected in the South Since Reconstruction.”
His dedication to preserving the legacy of African American sheriffs is evident in his initiation of the Lucius D. Amerson Bridge Builder Foundation in 2022. The foundation serves as the official archive on the history of African American sheriffs, operates the First Black Sheriff Memorial, and awards scholarships to high school graduates pursuing careers in workforce development areas such as trades.
There are 171 African-Americans serving as county sheriffs across this nation. Some notable to mention cities are: Dallas, TX; Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA, City of Philadelphia; Jacksonville, FL and Milwaukee, WI.
Active and retired membership is offered to Sheriffs (Elected and Appointed), Command Staff positions, Deputies, Jailers/Detention Officers and Administrative Staff that support the Office of Sheriff. We also offer membership to other law enforcement officials, corporate sponsors, affiliate and collegiate members. The Association shall not discriminate in its membership practice due to religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, creed or national origin.
Individual membership fees are: $250-Sheriffs, $150-Command Staff, $99- Jailers, Deputies, Detention and Administrative Staff. We also offer discounted rates for groups of twenty or more?
NBSA membership offers a range of benefits, including a free annual Sheriffs’ Directory and quarterly e-newsletter, networking opportunities with senior law enforcement leaders, and participation in the Future Sheriff Leadership Program for mentorship. Members receive discounts from sponsors, national advocacy support for law enforcement issues, access to conferences, workshops, and leadership training, as well as opportunities for professional development through committees and policy councils. Additionally, a career center provides exclusive job listings, and NBSA merchandise is available through the online marketplace.
Great question! While the National Black Sheriffs Association (NBSA) is a relatively young organization, our roots run deep. We trace our legacy directly to the Office of Sheriff, beginning with Walter Moses Burton, the first Black sheriff in the nation, elected in 1869 in Fort Bend County, Texas, and Lucius D. Amerson, the first Black sheriff in the South after Reconstruction, elected in 1966 in Macon County, Alabama.
At NBSA, we are committed to honoring their legacies of leadership and excellence by promoting professionalism within the Office of Sheriff. What truly sets us apart is our inclusive membership model. NBSA welcomes not only sheriffs but also the dedicated members of their teams who carry out their duties. Additionally, we stand as the national voice for African American sheriffs, advocating for their interests and amplifying their contributions to public safety and justice.
P.O. Box 605
3709 Rhode Island Ave
Mount Rainer, MD 20712-9998