Trailblazer: The Story of the First Black Female Secret Service Agent to Protect the President and Her Fight for Justice

by Cheryl Tyler

Overview

Trailblazer is the remakable and inspiring story of Cheryl Tyler, a Black woman who defied all odds and shattered barriers in her quest to protect the highest office in the land. This captivating memoir transports readers into Tyler’s world as she embarks on an extraordinary journey to become the first Black female agent assigned to the Presidential Protective Division of the United States Secret Service (USSS).

Her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her duty shine through as she serves as a top agent, safeguarding not only Presidents George H.W. Bush and William Jefferson Clinton but also world leaders and renowned celebrities. Those accomplishments earned her well-deserved accolades, but this book uncovers the untold story of the challenges she faced as a woman of color in a predominantly male all-white profession.

With emotional depth and gripping detail, Tyler’s memoir delves into the heart-wrenching struggles she endured during an eighteen-year class action lawsuit against the USSS. Alongside other Black agents, she fought relentlessly to eradicate racial slurs, workplace discrimination, and unfair employment practices within the Agency. As plaintiffs, they emerged victorious, securing a historic $24 million compensation for themselves and other agents who had faced discrimination.

Readers will be captivated by Tyler’s resilience and her ultimate triumph as she shines a light on one woman’s fight for equality and her extraordinary journey to make a lasting impact.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538197110
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	09/16/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	888 KB

About the Author

Cheryl Tyler spent 15 years as a Secret Service agent. She is the founder and owner of CLT3 Security Logistics in Washington, DC.

Table of Contents

Contents

PROLOGUE ........................................................................................................ 3

CHAPTER 1 – Untouchable Dreams ................................................................... 5

CHAPTER 2 – That’s My Mama ........................................................................ 14

CHAPTER 3 – Mayberry Mayhem ...................................................................... 25

CHAPTER 4 – Welcome to the Secret Service .................................................... 37

CHAPTER 5 – Booze, Broads, and Buicks .......................................................... 44

CHAPTER 6 – Chocolate City .............................................................................. 57

CHAPTER 7 – Empire State of Mind ................................................................... 79

CHAPTER 8 – All the President’s Men...and Women .......................................... 96

CHAPTER 9 – Around the World and Back Again ............................................. 115

CHAPTER 10 – Movin’ On Up ........................................................................... 127

CHAPTER 11 – My Father’s Daughter ............................................................... 134

CHAPTER 12 – The Concrete Ceiling ................................................................ 144

CHAPTER 13 – Job Security ............................................................................... 161

EPILOGUE .......................................................................................................... 166

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................. 177

Editorial Reviews

"Cheryl is a remarkable person and friend. Cheryl was and remains the North Star for me and those like me who navigated the culture of the Secret Service. Her book is a long time coming. Enjoy!"

ATSAIC Yvette Summerour

Cheryl Tyler is a skilled and trailblazing federal law enforcement officer and committed and tireless advocate for equality. She was the first African-American female Agent in the Presidential Protective Division of the United States Secret Service, as well as many other offices. She resigned from the Secret Service in 1999 after being told the Secret Service was “not ready” for an African-American female supervisory Agent; at that time, she was the longest serving African-American female Agent and there had never been a black female supervisory Agent. Despite leaving the Secret Service in 1999, she remained steadfast in her commitment to equality in the Agency, serving as a class representative in a class action lawsuit from 2000 to 2017, when the case settled for $24 million and changes to the promotions system. Her story is incredible, and worth telling and repeating.”

Jennifer Klar

Cheryl Tyler is a trailblazer who paved a path for African American women in the Secret Service and in Federal Law Enforcement. Cheryl believes in doing what’s right. Cheryl is a fighter who gained her strength from God, her humility from family, and her determination from Spelman College."

Ray Moore