Hank Sanders reaches 2000 Sketches, all printed in the Greene County Democrat

Senator Hank Sanders at celebration of his 2000 Sketches; John and Carol Zippert acknowledged for publishing all 2000 Sketches in the weekly Greene County Democrat. Family and community celebrating Senator Sanders reaching 2000 Sketches consecutive weeks since 1987

A special gala was held for Senator Hank Sanders marking the dual celebrations of his Sketches #2000 and his 83rd Birthday (Oct. 28). The event was held Saturday, October 25, 2025 in Selma in the Hank Sanders Technology Building on the campus of Wallace Community College.
The first Sketches, a column which was originally named Senate Sketches, was produced April 23, 1987 when Hank Sanders was in his first term in the Alabama State Senate. Sanders produced Sketches 2000 consecutive weeks since that date and all Sketches have been printed in the Greene County Democrat newspaper. Even as Hank Sanders traveled the world during those 38 years, he wrote his Sketches column and got it to the Democrat in a timely manner.
Although Sketches is frequently published or carried in other media outlets, only the Greene County Democrat newspaper can boast of printing all 2000 issues.
Hank Sanders Sketches is storytelling at its best. It captures life in the Black Belt, in Alabama, in this nation and the world. His Sketches lifts family and community in struggle and in joy; it lifts youth striving for self esteem and their place in community; it lifts the politics of healthcare, sufficient food, quality education, voting rights and an endangered democracy. As Hanks writes about his journey, he is sharing the stories of many. We can always find ourselves and our situations in his Sketches.
The 2000 Sketches and Birthday celebration, organized by Hank’s wife Attorney Faya Rose Toure, lent itself to myriad forms of appreciation for Senator Sanders and his unwavering persistence and dedication to his mission. Dr. Carol P. Zippert, who gave remarks on the occasion, stated that Hank often says he is a vessel through which blessings flow. “Hank is a vessel filled with god’s blessings – a vessel that in turn fills our vessels,” she said. Hank’s grandchildren noted, as did others, that each Sketches has a theme that is carries throughout then column. The young folk presented a powerpoint focusing on some of Sketches’ themes and asked their Granddaddy, “What inspired that particular theme.” Hank’s responsive wisdom embraced use all.
The gala featured music, excerpts from a play Attorney Toure is writing and good food.
Youth leaders were recognized; gifts were distributed. This was a joyful occasion.