Black Trailblazers of Kitsap | Kitsap History Museum

Before World War II, Bremerton had very few Black residents: the 1940 census counted seven inside the city limits, and estimates for the wider area run to about 100. By 1944–45, more than 4,500 African Americans had come to Bremerton, drawn by work at the Navy Yard. These are some of the people who became trailblazers in Kitsap County.

This exhibit draws on the writing of the late Roosevelt Smith, museum trustee and Kitsap Sun columnist; on the research of Dianne Robinson and the Kitsap County Black History Committee; and on the work of families, journalists and archives. Sources appear on each biography.

Black-and-white portrait of John Henry Turpin in a Navy dress uniform with white cap and service ribbons

John henry turpin

In 1917, became one of the Navy’s first African American Chief Petty Officers. Veteran of the Spanish-American War and World War I. Great Navy man, hero and patriot.

Black-and-white portrait of Marty Crutcher in a tuxedo with bow tie and glasses

Marty Crutcher

Besides distinguished careers at both the Navy and PSNS, was a dedicated civil servant and in 1986 became one of the first African Americans elected to the Bremerton City Council (Al Colvin was elected in 1985).

Vintage portrait of Alyce and Loxie Eagans standing arm in arm, he in a dark suit and she in a light coat

Alyce & Loxie Eagans

Ever wonder who Loxie Eagans Blvd. is named after? Find out more about this trailblazing couple.

Black-and-white portrait of Dianne P. Robinson with a rounded natural hairstyle, smiling in a collared shirt

Dianne P. Robinson

Dedicated Black historian and founder of the Kitsap County Black History Committee.

Black-and-white studio portrait of Leroy Williams in a dark suit and striped tie

leroy williams

Years of being a top-notch accountant led to becoming the first African-American member of the Bremerton school board.

Willis Papillion in glasses and a pinstriped tie, resting his chin on his hand in a black-and-white portrait

willis papillion

After becoming a veteran, dedicated his life to civic causes and racial diversity in Kitsap County.

Rainie Woods in police uniform leaning on the open door of a patrol car marked POLICE

Rainie woods

Breaking the color barrier, became Bremerton’s first Black police officer in 1969. Known for his work with young people.

Side-by-side black-and-white portraits of Hazel and Al Colvin, a woman in glasses and a man in a suit and tie

Hazel & Al colvin

Civil rights activist couple, leaders in the Bremerton NAACP, who helped start the first Black credit union in Kitsap County. In 1985, Al became one of the first African Americans elected to the Bremerton City Council.

Black-and-white photo of Tony Boddie in a football helmet and jersey, looking to the side

tony boddie

Bremerton High School alumnus who went on to play in Super Bowl XXII for the Broncos.

Vintage black-and-white portrait of Lillian Walker with dark curled hair, a tweed jacket and a brooch at her collar

Lillian & James Walker

Civil Rights activist couple and founding members of the Bremerton NAACP, and Lillian helped found the Bremerton YWCA.

Roosevelt Smith smiling at a table of Black Americana collectibles, wearing a tie printed I AM A MAN

Roosevelt Smith

The late Kitsap historian, antiques dealer, and educator of the African American experience through his collection of Black Americana.

Quincy Jones at the 2010 Academy Awards

Quincy Jones

One of the most influential musicians and producers of the 20th century was also once a resident of Bremerton.

Dick Crews in glasses and a Huskies sweatshirt, standing beside a framed photo of a Huskies basketball player wearing number 10

Dick Crews

The kid from Sinclair Heights who became the Huskies’ first Black basketball player.

Vintage sepia portrait of Nathaniel Sargent as a young man with a mustache, in a coat with wide lapels

Nathaniel Sargent

Born into slavery on a Kentucky plantation, Nathaniel made his way to Kitsap County where he greatly contributed to the land and the people.

Black-and-white photo of Admiral and Myrtle Ross seated close together on a sofa, smiling

Admiral & Myrtle Ross

Role models and mentors for many African Americans in the community.

Elwood & Marie Greer

Civil Rights activists and co-founders of the Bremerton NAACP.

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