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 The rise of the Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC) to a place of preeminence in Alabama has truly been a remarkable one. Founded in 1960 by a small group of committed leaders to support the Kennedy-Johnson presidential ticket, the organization has steadily grown in size, reputation, and influence to become one of the most effective voices in Alabama politics today. Indeed, few political groups can match ADC’s record of success when it comes to bringing about fair and equitable representation of blacks.
Check our record. In Alabama blacks constitute 25% of the state’s population. Black officials are well represented on most governing bodies in Alabama today. This is due largely to a comprehensive legislative and legal strategy that ADC embarked upon over the years. When ADC was founded in 1960, there were less than 10 black elected officials. In 2002, Alabama has more than 800 black elected officials statewide. Presently, black officials compromise 25% of the state legislature; 24% of the county commissions; 24% of local school boards; 25% of the state school board; and 20% of the membership on city councils. Black representation on the State Democratic Executive Committee stands at over 40%, due largely to ADC’s active recruitment and influence. Also during the last two Democratic National Conventions Alabama had one of the highest percentages of black delegates in attendance, when compared to other states. Although getting blacks elected to every chamber of government has been one of ADC’s goals, the organization’s history has been marked by consistent, widespread support for hundreds of white candidates who have been sensitive to the needs of blacks and poor people. ADC is proud of the fact that few Democratic officials have assumed office in this state without directly or indirectly being influenced by the work and policies of the organization. In short, ADC’s organized network of voting members, coupled with civic pressure, has brought about significant social change. The State Democratic Party changed its racist slogan. Recalcitrant candidates stopped using racial slurs in their campaigns and began to court and respect the black vote. Without question, ADC has made politicians behave, mainly by holding to three basic operating principles: 1) there is nothing that is politically right that is morally wrong; 2) there is political strength through unity; and 3) of all crimes, the worst one politically is ingratitude. Joe L. Reed
Chairman
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