Greene County, Alabama, is set to commemorate its 55th Freedom Day on Sunday, July 28, 2024. The celebration, which will take place at the Williams M. Branch Courthouse starting at 4:00 p.m., marks a pivotal moment in the county’s history. This event honors the groundbreaking 1969 special election that paved the way for the first Black county officials in Greene County.
Historic 1969 Special Election: A Turning Point for Black Representation
The 1969 special election was a result of a lawsuit filed by the National Democratic Party of Alabama (NDPA) on behalf of Greene County’s Black voters. This legal action came after the State of Alabama refused to include NDPA candidates on the November 1968 ballot. Consequently, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered a special election, which took place on July 29, 1969.
Spiver W. Gordon, President of the Alabama Civil Rights Museum Movement, Inc., stated, “The community is invited, including all local elected officials, to celebrate this important anniversary.” The event will feature food, music, and praise, highlighting the significance of this historic day.
From Voter Registration to Sweeping Victory: Greene County’s Path to Black Leadership
Following the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, civil rights organizations conducted successful voter education and registration campaigns throughout Greene County. These efforts led to high voter registration among the local 85% majority Black population.
The 1969 special election and the subsequent 1970 state election resulted in a sweeping victory for Black elected officials in Greene County. This landmark achievement included positions such as board of education members, county commissioners, sheriff, probate judge, tax collector, circuit clerk, and coroner.
Pioneering Black Officials: Breaking Barriers and Making History
Greene County’s journey towards equal representation began in 1966 with the election of Rev. Peter J. Kirksey as the first Black school board member and Rev. W.D. Lewis as the first Black elected to the Greene County Democratic Executive Committee.
The 1969 special election saw the appointment of the first Black Commissioners: Rev. Vassie Knott, Mr. Harry Means, Mr. Franchie Burton, and Mr. Levi Morrow, Sr. Additionally, Mr. James Posey and Mr. Robert Hines joined the school board.
In 1970, more barriers were broken:
- Rev. William M. Branch became the first Black Probate Judge
- Rev. Thomas Gilmore was elected as the first Black Sheriff
- Mrs. Wadine Williams took office as the first Black Circuit Clerk
- Mr. Robert Cook became the first Black Tax Collector
- Rev. Harold Milton was elected as the first Black Coroner
The trend continued in 1978 when Rev. John Kennard was elected as the first Black Tax Assessor.
National Recognition and Ongoing Celebration of Progress
Greene County is recognized as the first county in the nation to elect all Black county officials. This achievement underscores the importance of the Voting Rights Act and the persistent efforts of civil rights activists in the region.
The 55th Freedom Day Celebration will feature keynote speaker Tony Clayton, District Attorney of Port Allen, LA. Special honored guest Bill Edwards, a humanitarian and civil rights leader from Beverton, OR, who worked with NDPA during the 1969 Special Election, will also be present.
