Trailblazing Public Servant Edith Taylor Langster Passes Away

Edith Taylor Langster, a groundbreaking figure in Nashville’s history and a dedicated public servant, has passed away. Langster was the first Black female patrol officer in the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s Patrol Division. She also served as a Nashville Metro Council member and was a member of the Tennessee State House of Representatives, representing District 54 – part of Davidson County. Langster made history in 1972 by becoming the first Black female patrol officer in the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s Patrol Division. At that time, women officers were confined to administrative “desk” positions. However, Officer Langster courageously challenged the status quo and gained approval to patrol the communities of Nashville, becoming not only the first Black female patrol officer but also the first female patrol officer in the department. Her dedication to public service extended beyond her groundbreaking police work. Langster served as a Nashville Metro Council member and was a member of the Tennessee State House of Representatives, representing the 99th through 104th Tennessee General Assemblies. She also served as a Metro Council Member for District No. 20. Vivian Wilhoite, Assessor of Property for Nashville & Davidson County, expressed her sorrow at Langster’s passing. “I am so sad to...