MIAMI (WSVN) — As part of Black History Month, the City of Miami Black Police Precinct honored some officers who made history.

On Thursday, the museum recognized the first five African-American police officers who patrolled the streets of Miami back in 1944. The officers are known as Ralph White, Moody Hall, Clyde Lee, Edward Kimball, and John Milledge.

Through the efforts of black professionals and clergymen, the officers were able to provide a separate courthouse, jailhouse and precinct along Northwest 10th Street and Fifth Avenue.

Photos like those shown above capture the significant efforts of Miami’s first Black police officers. Their first headquarters, the Precinct and Courthouse opened May, 22, 1950.

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Miami’s getaway resorts and pristine beaches may be one of the top choices for tourists today, but in years past, segregation kept both Black visitors and Black Miamians locked out. In fact, racial segregation, formerly the law of the land, extended to every facet of life. As the Black population surged in the 1940s, religious and community leaders demanded police presence and protection in Miami’s two overcrowded Black communities of Liberty City and Overtown.

Jessie Hill

Retired Officer Jesse Hill, with Sampson in the background, at the City of Miami Black Police Precinct and Courthouse on Jan 15, 2009, the day of the Ribbon Cutting after years of hard work and renovation.

Willie Calhoun

Willie Calhoun at the City of Miami Black Police Precinct and Courthouse on Jan 15, 2009, the day of the Ribbon Cutting after years of hard work and renovation.

Eddie Mitchell and Frank Christmas

Retirees Eddie Mitchell and Frank Christmas at the City of Miami Black Police Precinct and Courthouse on Jan 15, 2009, the day of the Ribbon Cutting after years of hard work and renovation.

Archie McKay at the Opening Ceremonies

Retiree Archie McKay at the City of Miami Black Police Precinct and Courthouse on Jan 15, 2009, the day of the Ribbon Cutting after years of hard work and renovation

Assistant Chief Adam Burden and Retired Miami PD Chief of Police Clarence Dickson at the City of Miami Black Police Precinct and Courthouse on Jan 15, 2009, the day of the Ribbon Cutting after years of hard work and renovation.

Black Precinct Bicycle

A Black Precinct Bicycle that Retired Major Leroy Smith obtained for the museum.

Willard Myles Deceased 11-21-2009

Retired Honorary Lieutenant Willard Myles passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2009. He was 76 years old.

Willard Myles was born in Macon, Georgia on January 24, 1933. He joined the Miami Police Department on July 1st, 1959 and retired from duty at the rank of sergeant on July 22, 1985 after 26 years of honorable service.

He was assigned to the “Black Precinct” until 1963 and then to the Patrol Section. Later, he was assigned to Task Force Unit. He was remembered as a tough, smart street cop and good supervisor who was very effective in anti-crime efforts.

Thomas H Marshall Deceased 10-24-2009

Retired Sergeant Thomas H. Marshall passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2009. He was 76 years old.

Sergeant Marshall was born in Miami, Florida on February 12, 1933. He joined the Miami Police Department on July 13, 1959, and retired from the Department on July 16, 1984 after 25 years of honorable service.

He was a long time patrol officer who also served in the 1960′s Task Force. Sergeant Marshall was a Miami Police Veteran Association (MPV) member and a member of the black retired Community PBA who worked actively on the Black Precinct Project.