Charles L. Alphin, Sr. is a retired law enforcement captain, educator, and internationally recognized teacher of Kingian Nonviolence who has spent decades helping young people, police officers, educators, and community leaders learn peaceful ways to manage conflict.
Charles served for more than 26 years with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, working in roles ranging from patrol officer and detective to lieutenant and captain. During his career, he commanded units including homicide, rape and child abuse, and later vice and narcotics. (DDK Tours)
His life took an important turn after learning more deeply about the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through civil rights leader Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. Charles came to believe that nonviolence was not weakness, but a practical and powerful way to prevent violence, resolve conflict, and strengthen communities. He began using those principles in his work with law enforcement and young people in St. Louis. (Mahatma Gandhi Website)
After retiring from the police department in 1992, Charles was invited by Coretta Scott King to work at The King Center in Atlanta. He went on to help teach Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence to law enforcement officers, correctional officers, educators, students, activists, community leaders, and young people around the world. He continues to serve as a senior instructor and curriculum consultant with The King Center. (The King Center)
Charles also founded DDK Historical and Educational Tours, an initiative designed to help students and adults better understand the history of the Civil Rights Movement by visiting important historical sites and learning about the people who helped shape that history. (DDK Tours)
For students, Charles Alphin’s journey offers a powerful lesson about growth, service, leadership, and the idea that people can change their perspectives throughout their lives. His work shows how skills such as listening, empathy, courage, and peaceful conflict resolution can be used not only to solve disagreements, but also to make communities safer and stronger.
