Engaging Underprivileged Youth in the Nation's Capital: The Officer Oliver Cowan Story

In 1942, when urban youth violence was on the rise, District of Columbia Metropolitan Police rookie, Oliver A. Cowan, set up a youth engagement program initially known as the "Junior Police Corps."
At that time, D.C.'s government was overseen by segregationists in Congress and most Blacks residing in the nation's capital were living under the conditions of "Jim Crow laws." Yet, Officer Cowan managed to build an integrated program drawing upon the strengths of Washington's youth as well as civic minded citizens, community organizations, and business leaders. For fundraisings, performing artists and sports figures gave of their time. Although Officer Cowan was assigned to one of the city's most impoverished precincts, he was able to convince the leaders of his precinct's worst gangs to help him form a recreational and citizenship building program. When youth crime plummeted, the program was adopted citywide. This book tells his story and the development of youth engagement programs from the Progressive Era to the end of the 20th century. Emphasis is given to the struggles for civil rights, juvenile justice, and the notable events of the 20th century.