CLEVELAND — Woven into the material of Black historical past are these large names synonymous with the combat for racial equality: Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks and Shirley Chisholm.

However, we all know they didn’t set out on their journeys alone, and many years later, many are following of their footsteps.

At an early age, because of traditional cop exhibits like Hawaii 5-O, Deirdre Jones set her sights on changing into a police officer.

Deirdre Jones

“I used to say it all the time, ‘Book ’em Dano, book ’em Dano. Open the refrigerator, book ’em Dano.’ Made no sense at all, but it was fun just saying it,” stated Jones.

Shortly after becoming a member of the ranks of the Cleveland Police Department within the Nineteen Eighties, Jones ended up within the Third District’s vice unit.

Deirdre Jones

“I worked undercover,” said Jones.

With the determination to eventually become a detective, Jones hit a roadblock.

“I used to be suggested that there have been no certified females or minorities for any specialised items at that district. My mom taught me a very long time in the past by no means to be quitter,” said Jones.

Jones wasn’t prepared to take no for an answer, so she requested a transfer to Cleveland’s Fourth District.

“If any individual tells me I am unable to do it, then I’m going out of my option to show them incorrect,” stated Jones.

The younger officer, hungry for alternatives, discovered her means into the home violence unit.

“I got my passion there, learned my passion and what I enjoyed doing,” said Jones.

For Jones, the work was personal.

An extended family member was the victim of domestic violence.

“As a baby, these pictures and people noises, sounds, every thing stays with you. It’s nonetheless with me even now,” said Jones.

Despite being told early on in her career she couldn’t, whether because of her gender or race, Jones made a name for herself.

“I used to be the primary feminine to oversee the Cleveland Police Homicide Unit within the historical past of the division,” stated Jones.

Deirdre Jones

Jones was additionally the division’s first overtly homosexual member of the command workers.

“I’m a firm believer that if you can’t be your true authentic self, then you’ll never live to your full potential,” stated Jones.

Deirdre Jones

On her journey, Jones unknowingly blazed a path for ladies, African-Americans, and those that establish as LGBTQ.

“All I can do is be the instance for different folks to comply with, for different folks to see that the stereotypes are incorrect,” stated Jones.

Deirdre Jones

As she sat in her workplace as the primary feminine police chief of the Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Jones mirrored on those that got here earlier than her to assist form Black historical past.

Deirdre Jones

“While I like the idea of being the first, I definitely do not want to be the last,” said Jones.

“Some of the progress couldn’t have been made with out LGBTQ assist within the battle for equality,” stated Jones.

More than three many years into her profession, a dialog Jones had together with her mom when she joined CPD nonetheless resonates at this time.

“I actually asked her if she thought I’d make a good police officer, and what she said to me over 30 years ago was, ‘You will make a great police chief.’ Her prediction came true. I am sitting in this chair. So, it’s a beautiful thing. I am proof positive that you can be anything you want to be,” said Jones.

Deirdre Jones