Ron Stallworth

Ron Stallworth made history as the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department. His tenure in law enforcement is notable for a daring undercover operation in which he infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the late 1970s. This remarkable investigation lasted around nine months and was instrumental in preventing numerous cross burnings and rallies. Stallworth's work also led to the identification of various KKK members in sensitive military positions, contributing significantly to national security.

Stallworth's experiences served as the basis for his 2014 memoir, "Black Klansman." This book not only recounts his time with the Colorado Springs Police Department but also details the challenges and triumphs of his groundbreaking investigation. In 2018, the memoir was adapted into the critically acclaimed film "BlacKkKlansman". Directed by Spike Lee, the film received widespread recognition, winning an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and the Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival.

He details another firsthand account of trailblazing police work in the most unlikely place for a Black cop in the '90s: Salt Lake City, Utah. Stallworth makes a startling discovery that Bloods and Crips are infiltrating Mormon Country and recounts the undercover work in his book, "The Gangs of Zion: A Black Cop's Crusade in Mormon Country."

Leveraging his unique experiences and insights from his law enforcement career, Stallings has spoken to capacity crowds at various forums. Stallworth's post-retirement activities underscore his ongoing commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue around race relations and law enforcement in America.