They Too Call Alabama Home began as a speech
at a local university in October 1983. In "Prominent Blacks in
Twentieth-century Alabama," I highlighted African Americans who had
achieved success and called Alabama home. I made a promise after the
presentation to develop the material into a book-length study. In 1983,
however, I failed to anticipate that a doctoral dissertation and another
book would forestall my efforts to develop such a study.
This book focuses on the achievements of African
Americans who were born in Alabama and made a name in the state. Also
included are those who were born in Alabama but achieved success outside
Alabama and those who came to the state to etch their marks on history.
Some of the persons profiled in this book have escaped public acclaim.
They Too Call Alabama Home seeks to relieve them of anonymity.
To develop the profiles listed in the book, I combed
newspapers, journals, magazines, and books. I also mailed out nearly two
hundred inquiries so individuals might provide current information about
themselves. I am thankful that some of those persons responded and
saddened that time or resources did not allow others the opportunity to
respond. Nevertheless, I believe the profiles listed in the book cover the
spectrum of occupations—business, education, entertainment, politics,
government service, military, religion, and sports—so that readers may
learn something about persons who call Alabama home. At every opportunity
I monitored news outlets to determine who might have died, married, or
changed employment or residence since a profile had been submitted.
I believe genealogists and students of Southern,
Alabama, and local history will find much to appreciate in this book. High
school students seeking a college major can examine the career paths of
some of the persons profiled here, while college recruiters can use this
book as a recruiting tool. Chambers of commerce may want to add the names
of some local persons listed in the book to their brochures.
A sense of satisfaction went into the writing of each
page, and a feeling of fulfillment went out with the typing of the final
word. It is unfortunate that so many black Alabamians lived and died
without public acclaim. Still, persons with Alabama ties, like their peers
across the land, persevered.
This book is the result of the contribution of many
persons. I would be remiss if did not acknowledge their help here.
As editors, Pamela Ervin Brown, Geraldine Lang, Keflyn
X. Reed, and William Llewellyn brought to the text different strengths and
perspectives. They shared the trait of consistently asking the difficult
questions and strengthening the weak arguments.
Outside of Alabama, I found aid at the hands of the
following individuals: David L. Poremba, acting manager, Burton Historical
Collection, Detroit (Michigan) Public Library; Kelli Sample, clerk, Office
of the House of Representatives of the State of Michigan; Don Smith, Pro
Football Hall of Fame, Canton; Scot E. Mondore, associate researcher,
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown; Bernie Paschal,
Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame, Cleveland; Vicki Watkins, Page Library
at Lincoln University, Jefferson City; officials at Tennessee State
Library and Archives, Nashville; Larry Lester, Kansas City, Missouri; Bill
Carle, Grandview, Missouri; Detroit mayor Dennis Archer and Albert H.
Acker, deputy director, City of Detroit Communications and Creative
Services Department; Christel Raasch, House of Representatives, Office of
the Clerk, State Capitol, Atlanta, Georgia; Barbara Proctor, Florida A&M
University; Ella Sykes, Edward Waters College; Robert McTyre, Michigan
Chronicle; and Alma M. Fisher, Special Collection, Fisk University. C.
Eric Lincoln provided some invaluable information.
In Alabama I am especially grateful to Frances Dates,
Savery Library, Talladega College; Ruthie Pitts, Murphy African American
Museum, Tuscaloosa; George Lair, Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Tuscumbia;
musicologist George Landry, Montgomery; retired educators, Elmira B.
Clayton, Kathy D. Jackson, Gordon Pickler, and Ralph J. Bryson, all of
Montgomery; Ellen Mertins, Dorothy Taylor, and Robert McNealy, Alabama
Historical Commission; Frazine Taylor and Debbie Pendleton, Alabama
Department of Archives and History; Louretta Wimberly, Black Heritage
Council of the Alabama Historical Commission; Todd A. Etheredge, Alabama
Sports Hall of Fame and Museum; Mildred L. Stiger, J. F. Drake Memorial
Learning Resources Center, Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University;
Elizabeth Willauer and Yvonne Crumpler, Birmingham Public Library; and
Calvin Binion, Quemeller Lane, and Alfred Murray, Alabama Legislature.
Barry Buford, Joe N. Dickson, Kathie Farnell, Horace Huntley, and Lettie
M. Ross deserve special recognition for their interest in this book. Long
before their deaths, Dr. Broadus N. Butler and Sen. Michael A. Figures
encouraged me to continue to write. Sadie G. Penn has been one of my
mentors, and so too was the late Dr. Reva W. Allman. I respect the wishes
of others to remain anonymous.
Despite the tireless efforts of many people, I alone
accept the responsibility for the shortcomings of this book.
~ Richard Bailey
