By Maya Quinn

The Alabama Civil Rights Movement Museum sponsored the 57th Annual Freedom Day Program at the Sandra Walker Office on July 30, 2026. Many citizens of Greene and surrounding counties gathered to recount the historic day and commemorate over half a century of Black political progress in Greene County. President of the museum, Elder Spiver Gordon, presided over the event, which featured a panel of guests to discuss how to involve today’s youth in the struggle against discrimination.

Freedom Day was established to commemorate the Special Election on July 29, 1969, when Black people were elected to control the County Commission and School Board in Greene County. The U.S. Supreme Court ordered the election after local white officials left the Black candidates, running in the National Democratic Party of Alabama (NDPA), off the ballot in the November 1968 General Election. 

After the election, Greene County became the first county in the South to elect a majority Black local government since Reconstruction with four county commissioners: Harry Means, Franchie Burton, Vassie Knott and Levi Morrow Sr.; and School Board members: Robert Hines, and James Posey, joined Peter J. Kirksey, who had been elected to the Board in 1968. In 1970, Greene County voters elected William McKinley Branch as the first Black Probate Judge in America and Thomas Gilmore as the second Black Sheriff in Alabama. Greene County also elected Wadine Williams as first Black Circuit Clerk, Robert Cook as first Black Tax Collector and Rev. Harold (Abner) Milton as first Black Coroner. Deacon John Head and Earsrie Chambers were also elected to the school board.

“Many things have changed for the better since 1969.” Spiver Gordon stated. “Electing Black officials allowed us to change many of the insulting racist practices in Greene County, but we still need to keep working and keep moving forward. Everything that happened, happened because ordinary people stood up to help make the needed changes.” 

Panel members ranged from current Greene County officials to justice-driven citizens. They all reaffirmed the importance of encouraging neighbors and relatives to be more civically involved, which starts with changing divisive patterns of thinking. “We keep the gains by working together for a common goal,” stated panelist Reverend Joe Webb. He implored citizens to look past minor disagreements and remain dedicated to improving the community for the next generation. 

Spiver announced that he is passing the torch to a new organizer for the 58th celebration. “Many of you can lead…We don’t need a prepared speech; we just need you.” 

The Alabama Civil Rights Freedom Movement organization showcases artifacts and photographs of the civil rights and voting rights struggle in Greene County at their museums. The Eutaw museum is located at 137 County Road 183, Eutaw, AL 35462.