Al Edwards (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Al Edwards
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| Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 146th district |
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| In office January 2009 – January 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Borris Miles |
| Succeeded by | Borris Miles |
| In office January 1978 – January 2007 |
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| Preceded by | None (district created) |
| Succeeded by | Borris Miles |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Albert Ely Edwards
March 19, 1937 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | April 29, 2020 (aged 83) Houston, Texas |
| Resting place | Texas State Cemetery Austin, Texas |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 8 |
| Alma mater | Texas Southern University |
| Profession | Realtor and Mortgage Broker |
Albert Ely Edwards (born March 19, 1937 – died April 29, 2020) was an American politician. He served in the Texas Legislature for District 146. He is most famous for helping make Juneteenth a state holiday in Texas. Later, in 2021, Juneteenth became a national holiday. Edwards was also part of important committees in the Texas Legislature.
Contents
About Al Edwards
His Early Life
Al Edwards was born in Houston, Texas. He was one of sixteen children. He went to Wheatley High School in Houston. Later, he studied at Texas Southern University. He also got a special certificate from Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. After college, he became a realtor and a mortgage broker.
Joining the Civil Rights Movement
Edwards was active in the Civil Rights Movement. This was a time when people worked to end unfair treatment based on race. He took part in peaceful marches and protests. He marched alongside famous leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Reverend Jesse Jackson.
His Time as a Politician
Al Edwards was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He served for thirteen terms, from 1978 to 2007.
In 1979, he wrote a bill to make June 19th a state holiday in Texas. This day is called Juneteenth. It celebrates the end of slavery in Texas. The law finally passed in 2007, thanks to his efforts. He also started an organization called Juneteenth, U.S.A.
Important Work in the 1980s
From 1983 to 1989, Edwards was on the board of Push International Trade Bureau. He also led Reverend Jesse Jackson's campaigns for president in Texas.
In 1986, he started "Operation Justus." This group helped people with social problems. In 1987, he was arrested for peacefully protesting. He was speaking out against Apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid was an unfair system of racial separation. He also traveled to South Africa on a peace mission in 1989.
Important Work in the 1990s
Edwards led the Texas Legislative Black Caucus from 1991 to 1997. This group worked on issues important to African Americans in Texas. He also became a minister in 1993.
During the Clinton presidency, Edwards was often invited to the White House. He was honored in the African American Biographic Association Hall of Fame. He also led the Democratic National Committee Black Caucus for six years.
In 1999, Governor George W. Bush appointed him. He became Chairman of the Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission. This group helps preserve the history of Juneteenth.
Voting Rights and Committees
In 2004, Al Edwards helped lead a march of over 5,000 people. This march helped students at Prairie View A&M University get the right to vote.
As a senior member of the Texas Legislature, Edwards served on key committees. He was Chairman of the Rules and Resolutions Committee. He also led the Budget and Oversight of the Ways and Means Committee. He was a member of the Appropriations Committee. These committees help decide how laws are made and how money is spent.
Awards and Recognition
Al Edwards was recognized for his work many times. He was included in "Who's Who in America" in 1989. He also received an honorary degree from the University of Belize. There is a statue of him in Galveston. It shows him holding the Juneteenth legislation.
His Passing
Al Edwards passed away on April 29, 2020, at the age of 83.
