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NOBLE Monthly Newsletter........................... April 2026

Greetings, NOBLE members and supporters!

As we journey into and through the month of April, I am reminded that this is not just another moment on our calendar, it is a defining chapter in our legacy.

For five decades, NOBLE has stood firmly at the intersection of justice, advocacy, and leadership. Our legacy is not simply something we honor; it is something we carry forward with intention, as we define the future of public safety.

I am especially excited to welcome many of you to our 50th Anniversary William R. Bracey CEO Symposium, taking place April 9–11, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.

This gathering comes at a pivotal time for our profession and our communities. It is more than a convening—it is a powerful space for thought leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

Under this year’s theme:

“Forged in Struggle, Empowered by Strength, Defining Our Future: From Strength to Strategy: Shaping Law Enforcement’s Next Chapter,”

We will engage in bold, necessary conversations that challenge us to lead differently, think strategically, and act with purpose.

Together, we will:

Confront the realities shaping modern policing and public safety.
Explore innovation and technology through an equity lens.
Strengthen executive leadership strategies and protections.
Deepen our commitment to community trust and accountability &
Build pathways that support both our officers and the communities we serve

The strength of this symposium is grounded in months of intentional work, collaboration, and national engagement.

From January through March, NOBLE ‘s efforts have taken us across the country and beyond:

Strategic planning sessions for our 50th Anniversary initiatives
National and regional meetings to strengthen partnerships and execution
Engagements with federal leadership, including the Department of Homeland Security
Conversations with industry leaders and innovators shaping public safety
Keynote addresses amplifying the voice and leadership of women in policing &
National media engagement addressing critical issues impacting our communities

Each meeting, each conversation, and each mile traveled has been in service of the continuous positioning of NOBLE and our members for impact, influence, and longevity.

As we convene in Detroit, let us do so with clarity and conviction.

Let us carry forward the spirit of those who came before us. The pioneers who stood when it was difficult, who spoke when it was unpopular, and who led when the path was uncertain.

Let us embrace the responsibility now placed on us:

To lead with vision
To act with courage
To build with intention

The work ahead is significant. The expectations are high.

But make no mistake, we are prepared.

This milestone year is not simply about reflection; it is about activation.

This year’s theme calls for us to transform our collective strength into strategic action. To ensure that the next chapter of law enforcement and public safety as a whole is:

More equitable
More accountable
More community-centered
More resilient

Thank each of you for your continued dedication to NOBLE’s mission and to the communities we are honored to serve. We Are Still Here:

This is our moment.

This is our mission.

And together we will define the future.

Renée Hall

48th National President

CEO Symposium!

The countdown is on for the 2026 William R. Bracey CEO Symposium, taking place April 9–11, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan. Law enforcement executives from across the country and around the world are preparing to gather for one of NOBLE’s premier leadership events.

The annual symposium brings together senior law enforcement leaders for executive-level training, meaningful dialogue, and strategic discussions on the most pressing issues facing public safety and policing today. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic sessions, hear from distinguished speakers, and connect with colleagues committed to advancing professional excellence and strengthening communities.

Members and partners are encouraged to finalize their plans and get ready for an impactful three days of learning, networking, and leadership. If you have not yet registered, registration will be available onsite

CEO FAQ

CEO Symposium Agenda

What Will Be Different at This Year’s 50th National Training Conference

As we continue to prepare to celebrate a historic milestone — the 50th National Training Conference — we are excited to share several important updates to this year’s schedule and overall conference experience. In honor of our golden anniversary, we have made thoughtful adjustments to enhance participation, improve flow, and elevate the overall impact of our time together.

Here are some of the key changes below:

🔹 Opening Plenary – Now on Saturday

This year, the Opening Plenary will take place on Saturday, rather than Monday as in previous years. Beginning the conference with our plenary session allows us to set the tone early, unify attendees from the start, and fully embrace the significance of our 50th convening.

🔹 Conference Registration – Begins Friday at Noon

Conference registration will open on Friday at 12:00 PM until 5PM and reopen on Saturday at 7:00 AM. We’ve adjusted the schedule to give everyone plenty of time to check in comfortably, avoid long lines, and ease into the Opening Plenary and conference activities with a smooth start to the weekend.

We look forward to welcoming you!

🔹 Memorial March – Moved to Sunday

The Memorial March will now be held on Sunday, rather than Saturday. This solemn and meaningful tribute will be followed by the Morning Service and Blessing of the Badge, creating a powerful and unified experience of reflection, faith, and recommitment to service.

🔹 New Member Orientation – Tentatively Friday Afternoon

New Member Orientation is tentatively scheduled for Friday afternoon. This will provide new members with a dedicated opportunity to connect, learn about NOBLE’s history and mission, and prepare to fully engage in the conference beginning Saturday.

🔹 Name Badge Ribbon Identifiers

This year, as part of the registration process, we will be identifying various groups within our NOBLE family — including new members, host chapter representatives, chapter presidents, past national presidents, and others — by placing a colored ribbon on your name badge.

These ribbons are designed to make it easier for members to connect, recognize leadership, welcome first-time attendees, and celebrate those who have helped shape our legacy. We encourage everyone to take a moment to greet someone new, thank a past leader, or connect with a chapter representative.

Our goal is to foster meaningful engagement, strengthen relationships, and ensure that every member feels seen, valued, and connected throughout the conference experience.

🔹 Dedicated NOBLE Vendors

In celebration of our 50th Conference, we will feature dedicated NOBLE vendors offering official merchandise, including:

Blazers
T-shirts
Pins
Hats
Jackets
And additional commemorative items

Our 50th National Training Conference is not just another gathering — it is a celebration of five decades of leadership, legacy, and service. These changes are designed to make this years’ experience more meaningful, more efficient, and more memorable for all attendees.

NOBLE Public Safety Summit Recap

The recent Public Safety Summit brought together law enforcement leaders, public safety professionals, and community partners from across the country for an engaging and collaborative event focused on strengthening public safety and community trust.

Attendees participated in discussions on key issues impacting communities today, including community engagement, crime prevention strategies, and officer wellness. The summit also provided valuable opportunities for networking, sharing best practices, and building partnerships that will help shape future public safety initiatives.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event a success.

See highlights from the summit below!

NOBLE National Day of Service – Juneteenth 2026

In honor of Juneteenth, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) will launch its National Day of Service Initiative on June 19, 2026, uniting all 59 chapters nationwide for a coordinated day of community impact.

Each chapter will host two key activities:

Youth Engagement Circle – Programs such as police–youth dialogue circles, youth safety and leadership discussions, and mentorship sign-up opportunities designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and young people.

Reentry Support Project – Distribution of standardized reentry welcome kits, resource guides for employment and housing, and mentorship connections for individuals returning to the community.

NOBLE National will provide chapters with event branding, media resources, social media tools, and reporting templates to support local implementation.

Chapters will partner with community organizations, recruit volunteers and youth participants, and collect supplies for reentry kits as part of the Justice Through Service Resource Drive.

Impact will be measured through:

Youth participants engaged
Reentry kits distributed
Mentorship connections made
Community partners involved

Together, this nationwide initiative reflects NOBLE’s continued commitment to service, mentorship, and community partnership.

Applications Are Now Open! NOBLE National Scholarships

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) is proud to support the next generation of leaders in law enforcement and criminal justice. Scholarship applications are now officially open for graduating high school seniors who are committed to pursuing careers in law enforcement.

Available scholarships include:

Irlet Anderson Scholarship Award
Charles Fonseca Scholarship Award
Bernard and Sylvia Davis Thompson Scholarship
The Ulysses Brown Scholarship Fund
The Ulysha Reneé Hall Scholarship Fund

Each scholarship is a one-time award recognizing students who demonstrate a strong commitment to becoming a sworn law enforcement officer, Special Agent, or serving in a related public safety profession.

We encourage eligible students in your community to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to support their future in public safety. Additional details and application information are now available.

Nominations Now Open for NOBLE National and Civil Rights Awards

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) is proud to announce that nominations are now officially open for the 2026 NOBLE National Awards, including a distinguished slate of Civil Rights Awards recognizing leadership, service, and impact in communities across the nation.

Each year, NOBLE honors individuals and organizations who exemplify excellence in law enforcement, public safety, and community advocacy. These awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to strengthen relationships, advance justice, and uphold the values of equity and service.

National Award categories include:

Walter Lawson Award (Community Service)
Robert Lamb Humanitarian Award
Lloyd Sealy Award (Criminal Justice Excellence)
Technology Champion of the Year Award
Retired Members Community Service Award

In addition, NOBLE’s Civil Rights Awards recognize individuals and groups whose work reflects the enduring legacy and continued advancement of civil rights:

Fannie Lou Hamer “Until I Am Free” Award
Peggy Triplett Award – Outstanding CEO/Director/Chief of Police of the Year
Martin Luther King Legacy and Peace Award
Nelson Mandela Humanitarian “Justice by Action” Award
Juneteenth Self-Determination Emancipation – Community Leader Award
Outstanding Media Content “Justice by Action” Award
Congressman John R. Lewis “Good Trouble” Justice by Action Award

These honors recognize those who demonstrate courage, compassion, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for all—whether through community service, leadership in law enforcement, advocacy, or raising awareness through media and education.

We encourage you to nominate deserving individuals or organizations who are making a meaningful impact. Nominations must include a completed nomination form, supporting documentation, a statement of justification, and a photo of the nominee.

All nominations must be submitted by May 15, 2026.

Join us in recognizing those who continue to lead, inspire, and drive positive change in our communities.

Additional details and submission information are now available.

Submit Nominations Here!

Visit our Events Calendar for additional events: NOBLE Events Calendar

Virginia Chapter Hosts Successful TLYC Event

The Virginia Chapter hosted a successful TLYC event on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at First Mount Olive Baptist Church in Leesburg, Virginia. The program began at approximately 10:40 a.m. with a prayer from a local pastor and welcomed around 40 attendees, including seven minors.

Five NOBLE members and four Leesburg Police Officers participated in the event, assisting with discussions and scenario-based presentations. Attendees were engaged throughout the program, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating a strong understanding of the constitutional concepts presented. Food was provided and contributed to the positive atmosphere.

The two-hour event concluded around 12:40 p.m. with a closing prayer and a round of applause from participants. A group photo was taken with the speakers and youth attendees.

Following the event, organizer Mrs. Germaine Henderson shared that the community has provided “wonderful positive feedback” and thanked the team for a successful program. Aside from a minor technical issue with a video in the presentation—quickly resolved using a backup file—the event ran smoothly and was well received by the community.

Empowering Youth Through Engagement and Education: TLYC Program in Greensboro, NC

On March 21st, the Eastern North Carolina Chapter hosted a TLYC program session in Greensboro during the Black Family Wellness Expo, bringing together youth and families for an engaging and educational experience.

The presentation provided valuable insight on navigating interactions with law enforcement, creating an open space for learning, dialogue, and connection. Attendees, including mentees and parents, found the session both informative and impactful.

100 Black Men of Triangle East expressed sincere appreciation for the team’s efforts, highlighting the meaningful engagement with youth and the lasting value of the information shared.

This event reflects the strength of community partnership and a continued commitment to empowering and educating the next generation.

TLYC Program Leaves Lasting Impact at DuVal High School

On Saturday, April 4, 2026, members of the Maryland Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) hosted a powerful TLYC (Teaching Law to Youth and Children) event at DuVal High School, creating an engaging and impactful experience for participating students.

The program, led by dedicated members of the NOBLE team alongside the Prince George’s County Police Department, focused on educating students about the law, their rights, and the importance of informed decision-making. Through real-life scenarios and meaningful discussion, students were introduced to critical concepts, including constitutional rights and the role of law enforcement in their communities.

Despite a smaller-than-anticipated turnout, the level of student engagement was remarkable. Attendees were highly attentive, asking thoughtful questions and actively participating throughout the session—so much so that the presentation nearly ran over its scheduled time. This enthusiasm underscored both the relevance of the material and the students’ eagerness to learn.

The impact of the program extended beyond the classroom. Several students expressed interest in continuing their involvement through opportunities such as the Explorer Program and other community initiatives introduced during the session. Their interest reflects the program’s success in not only educating, but also inspiring the next generation of leaders.

In a message of appreciation, DuVal High School PTSA President Shauntell Durant praised the NOBLE team for their dedication and the lasting impression left on students. She emphasized that the knowledge shared during the session is vital and expressed a strong belief that such programming should be incorporated into high school curricula nationwide.

Maryland Chapter President Glend McGuire also shared gratitude for the opportunity to connect with students, noting the organization’s ongoing commitment to delivering this potentially life-saving information to schools that welcome the program.

The success of this TLYC event highlights the importance of partnerships between law enforcement and educational communities. NOBLE looks forward to continuing its collaboration with DuVal High School and expanding its outreach to empower even more students in the future.

For anyone interested in becoming a trainer, please contact mthompson@noblenatl.org.

For anyone interested in hosting a TYLC event please visit https://noblenational.org/the-law-and-your-community-form/

For anyone interested in becoming a partner or sponsor for these events (TYLC, and the TALK) please contact mthompson@noblenatl.org.

For any additional questions please contact ereynolds@noblenatl.org

NOBLE is at the forefront of providing solutions to law enforcement and public safety issues and concerns, as well as to the ever-changing needs of communities they protect and serve. We are called upon by local, regional, and national media outlets to lend our voice, positioning NOBLE as thought leaders who create positive action. See below for a snapshot of secured media coverage.

Congratulations to our fellow NOBLE members whose promotions and career milestones we learned of since the publication of the last issue of "The NOBLE Journey." We applaud your commitment to serving our communities and wish you continued success!

PROMOTIONS

Victoria Carter

Sergeant

Apex Police Department

Robert Gaddy

Chief of Police

North Carolina Central University Police Department

Tad Golden

Assistant Chief of Police

DeKalb County Police Department

Orrin Scott Hamilton

Chief of Police

City of Stockbridge Police Department

Advancing Justice on a Global Stage: Retired Commissioner Trevor Velinor Addresses the United Nations

Police Commissioner Trevor Velinor (Ret.) recently took the international stage to advocate for meaningful reform in law enforcement. On March 24, 2026, Velinor delivered testimony before the United Nations International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement in Geneva.

Representing Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Velinor addressed the “Impacts of Drug Policing on Africans and People of African Descent,” highlighting the disproportionate effects of current drug policies on marginalized communities. During his remarks, he called for greater procedural and racial justice, emphasizing the urgent need for reformed drug policies and broader criminal justice reform.

Velinor’s testimony reflects a growing movement within the law enforcement community to confront systemic inequities and promote policies that prioritize fairness, accountability, and community trust on a global scale.

Most of the impactful work we do happens in our 59 chapters in six regions throughout the United States, as well as among the members in Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and several countries in Africa.

While the national headquarters provides support and resources when needed, it is the boots on the ground approach of our more than 4,500 members that enables NOBLE to make a difference in the areas we care most about.

Thank you for your commitment and your service to this organization and helping to amplify our message of law enforcement. conscience and accountability to communities around the country.

Region 3: Georgia Chapter

Georgia Chapter of NOBLE Day Proclaimed at State Capitol

On March 18, 2026, a momentous occasion was celebrated at the Georgia State Capitol as the day was officially proclaimed Georgia Chapter of NOBLE Day. This special recognition highlights the outstanding contributions and lasting impact of the Georgia Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).

Members of the Georgia Chapter were honored from the floor of the Georgia House of Representatives following the adoption of House Resolution 1423, sponsored by State Representative Yasmin Neal. The resolution commends the Georgia Chapter for its unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and community engagement, while also celebrating NOBLE’s continued dedication to advancing professionalism in law enforcement and strengthening relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

This recognition reflects the Georgia Chapter’s ongoing efforts to lead with integrity, promote diversity, and inspire the next generation of law enforcement professionals. The proclamation serves as a testament to the Chapter’s meaningful work and its positive influence across the state.

Congratulations to the Georgia Chapter of NOBLE on this well-deserved honor and for continuing to make a lasting difference in communities throughout Georgia.

Region 6: Southern California Chapter

Youth and the Law: Building Connections

Held annually during Black History Month, Youth and the Law partners with the Kappa League to bring high school students to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Westchester Training Academy for a day of learning and engagement.

Students explore all levels of the justice system—from law enforcement to the courtroom and probation—while participating in open, honest conversations about their experiences and perspectives.

A key highlight is the FOS simulator, where students and teachers face real-life scenarios that demonstrate how quickly critical decisions must be made.

The day concludes with a shared meal, reinforcing the program’s mission: building trust, connection, and community between youth and law enforcement.

Since 1976, NOBLE has been providing solutions to issues in Black law enforcement. Today, we are more than 4,500 strong, and our reach extends beyond the 59 chapters in the United States to Canada, the Caribbean, and Africa.

NOBLE members are servant leaders and change agents in their communities – and equally important, their membership gives them access to a network of like-minded professionals, diverse training opportunities, and a host of other valuable resources.

If you are not a member, why not change that right now? Join or renew today here – and tell a friend!

Your news is important to us – and we want to share it! If you have uplifting stories about community action, diversity hiring, and/or the ways you are changing your communities and advancing NOBLE’s mission, submit them using our dedicated Good News Form!

Submit your written stories and photos for possible publishing on social media, the NOBLE website and here in our NOBLE newsletter.

Help us spread the word about the transformative work NOBLE chapters are doing across the country and beyond!

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