The Blessing of the Badges held in Inkster

INKSTER - The Metro Detroit Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) hosted an electrifying worship service to Bless the Badges of the men and women who serve in law enforcement, the fire department, first responders, and all entities of public service and the community. The worship experience was held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Smith Chapel A.M.E Church located in Inkster, Michigan. The highly spirited program included greetings from law enforcement officials from the national, regional, and local chapters of NOBLE, as well as remarks from the Deputy Chief Chaplain and retired chaplain of the Detroit Police Department. An inspirational message of encouragement was preached by Pastor Twylla Tarver of Smith Chapel A.M.E. Church, and a spirit-filled prayer was led by Pastor Steven Stubbs of Amity Baptist Church, also located in Inkster. The service was accentuated by stirring renditions of praise and worship sung by Sherrie Nunn-Berry. One of the many highlights of the evening was the awarding of special honors to the first Black female chief of the Inkster Police Department, Chief Tamika Jenkins. Her award was presented by NOBLE Metro Detroit Chapter Vice-President Pamela J. McClain, and the mayor of Inkster, The Honorable Byron H. Nolen.

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives™, also known as NOBLE, was founded in September 1976 during a three-day symposium to address crime in low-income urban areas. Sixty (60) top ranking black law enforcement executives representing twenty-four states and fifty major cities gathered in the Washington, D.C. area to raise questions about relevant issues such as fairness in the administration of justice, police community relations, the hiring and promotion of black police officers, and the unique problems of the black police executive. Recognizing that black law enforcement executives could have a significantly more effective impact upon the criminal justice system through a unified voice, the symposium participants departed from the planned agenda to create NOBLE.

Today, NOBLE is comprised of 60 chapters in six regions throughout the United States. They also have members in Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and several countries in Africa. Members are engaged in organizing food and clothing drives, presenting the Law and Your Community seminars, reading to children, and awarding scholarships, among a myriad of other community service initiatives.

Let's continue to pray for, honor, and appreciate the men and women who sacrificially give of themselves to protect and serve our community. May God bring peace, protection, wisdom, and leadership to the officials who wear badges daily.