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Albert Turner Sr. was a significant civil rights figure who helped Black voters in Alabama.Born in Perry County, Alabama, in 1936, he became prevalent in the fight for civil and voting rights.As the Alabama field secretary for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), he was instrumental in organizing events like the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965. >> Lift every voice and sing with our full special about the unsung heroes of Black history.After a Perry County sheriff arrested James Orange, the SCLC's field secretary, on February 18, 1965, people were worried he might be killed. Turner organized a march to the jail from Zion Methodist Church to stop any trouble, but state troopers and police attacked them. Jimmie Lee Jackson was shot by a trooper and died days later.The incident led Turner to help organize the Selma to Montgomery March, aimed at protesting Jackson's death and pushing for voting rights. On March 7, 1965, Turner, along with many Perry County locals, joined the march to Selma, driven by the need for justice.When leaders thought about canceling, the Perry County group, backed by Turner, stood firm. Turner stressed the march's importance for their rights, convincing leaders to proceed.He was among the first rows of people who crossed the Edmond Pettus Bridge on what is known as "Bloody Sunday."Turner, a key advocate for voting rights, faced systemic and personal challenges but succeeded in registering hundreds of thousands of Black voters in Alabama. He also pushed for social and economic reforms through initiatives like the Perry County Civic League and with Martin Luther King Jr. After King's assassination, Turner drove the mule that took King to his final resting place. In 1985, Albert Turner, along with Evelyn and Spencer Hogue, faced allegations brought by U.S. Attorney Jeff Sessions for alleged mail fraud and tampering with absentee ballots during a 1984 primary in Perry County.Dubbed the Marion Three, they were accused of filling out ballots for deceased voters. Sessions targeted several Black leaders in Alabama, but Turner claimed these actions were politically motivated to suppress Black voting.Represented by attorney J. L. Chestnut Jr., they maintained their innocence, arguing they only aided underprivileged voters. After a brief trial, they were acquitted, helping to uphold the Voting Rights Act's integrity in Alabama.His advocacy extended to economic innovations like gasohol production, enhancing opportunities for Black communities. Turner remained active in public service, including as a Perry County Commissioner.Turner died unexpectedly in 2000 and is buried in Perry County. An elementary school is named after him.Throughout Black History Month, WVTM 13 is also recognizing and honoring the legacy of Alabamians who broke barriers outside of the music industry.Can't see the interactive infographic above? Click here.
PERRY COUNTY, Ala. —
Albert Turner Sr. was a significant civil rights figure who helped Black voters in Alabama.
Born in Perry County, Alabama, in 1936, he became prevalent in the fight for civil and voting rights.
As the Alabama field secretary for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), he was instrumental in organizing events like the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965.
>> Lift every voice and sing with our full special about the unsung heroes of Black history.
After a Perry County sheriff arrested James Orange, the SCLC's field secretary, on February 18, 1965, people were worried he might be killed. Turner organized a march to the jail from Zion Methodist Church to stop any trouble, but state troopers and police attacked them. Jimmie Lee Jackson was shot by a trooper and died days later.
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AP
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., arrives for the funeral in Marion, Alabama March 3, 1965 of Jimmie Lee Jackson, slain during a racial demonstration. King later led mourners three miles in the rain to a cemetery for burial. (AP Photo)The incident led Turner to help organize the Selma to Montgomery March, aimed at protesting Jackson's death and pushing for voting rights. On March 7, 1965, Turner, along with many Perry County locals, joined the march to Selma, driven by the need for justice.
When leaders thought about canceling, the Perry County group, backed by Turner, stood firm. Turner stressed the march's importance for their rights, convincing leaders to proceed.
He was among the first rows of people who crossed the Edmond Pettus Bridge on what is known as "Bloody Sunday."
AP
FILE - Tear gas fumes fill the air as state troopers, ordered by Gov. George Wallace, break up a demonstration march in Selma, Ala., on what is known as Bloody Sunday on March 7, 1965.Turner, a key advocate for voting rights, faced systemic and personal challenges but succeeded in registering hundreds of thousands of Black voters in Alabama.
He also pushed for social and economic reforms through initiatives like the Perry County Civic League and with Martin Luther King Jr. After King's assassination, Turner drove the mule that took King to his final resting place.
AP
A mule-drawn wagon carries the body of the late civil rights activist Albert Turner Sr., through the town square in Marion, Ala., during funeral services on Saturday, April 22, 2000. Turner, who died April 13, 2000, once led the mule-drawn funeral procession of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Kevin Glackmeyer)In 1985, Albert Turner, along with Evelyn and Spencer Hogue, faced allegations brought by U.S. Attorney Jeff Sessions for alleged mail fraud and tampering with absentee ballots during a 1984 primary in Perry County.
Dubbed the Marion Three, they were accused of filling out ballots for deceased voters. Sessions targeted several Black leaders in Alabama, but Turner claimed these actions were politically motivated to suppress Black voting.
Represented by attorney J. L. Chestnut Jr., they maintained their innocence, arguing they only aided underprivileged voters. After a brief trial, they were acquitted, helping to uphold the Voting Rights Act's integrity in Alabama.
His advocacy extended to economic innovations like gasohol production, enhancing opportunities for Black communities. Turner remained active in public service, including as a Perry County Commissioner.
Turner died unexpectedly in 2000 and is buried in Perry County. An elementary school is named after him.
Throughout Black History Month, WVTM 13 is also recognizing and honoring the legacy of Alabamians who broke barriers outside of the music industry.
Can't see the interactive infographic above? Click here.
English (US)