Hear The Tampa Fearless 4 Discuss Their Historic Complaint: Video

TAMPA, FL — In 1974, Tampa Police Officers Frank Gray, Rufus Lewis, James Dukes and Clarence Nathan filed a discrimination complaint that changed the city of Tampa and Tampa Police Department forever.

Those four men, now known as the "Fearless Four," braved ridicule, hate mail and threats to their lives as well as the risk of losing their careers to open doors for Black and other minority officers for generations to come.

Their story is told in a YouTube video produced by the city of Tampa and their efforts to achieve equal rights for all police officers is commemorated with a new monument at Tampa Police Department headquarters, 411 N. Franklin St.

"This monument will serve as a tribute to the Fearless Four and their incredible bravery, but it will also serve as a reflection of the core values of the police department," Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan said.

Mayor Jane Castor said the Fearless Four played a pivotal role in the advancement of Black officers when they filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the Tampa Police Department for discrimination.

When the EEOC investigation was completed in 1976, the city of Tampa was cited for numerous discrimination violations. The findings were recognized by Mayor Bill Poe, who signed an agreement to implement fairer practices and policies to ensure all minority officers, and employees citywide, would have equal access to the opportunities of their white counterparts including hiring, training, promotions, specialty assignments and leadership roles.

The monument is on display on the first floor entrance to the Tampa Police Department. Four: https://youtu.be/Ip60i5RAEbs